Brian Snitker, who has spent over four decades within the Atlanta Braves organization was promoted to MLB manager of a rebuilding squad back in 2016. Being more than familiar with how the franchise operates, it was no surprise to see Snitker have immediate success.
Snitker was named the Braves early into the 2016 season. He was with the team for 124 games and Atlanta exceeded their expectations during that stretch going 59-65. The next season in 2017, the Braves took another step in the right direction going 72-90. From 2018 through the present, Snit has led the Atlanta Braves to a National League East Division Championships in six straight seasons.
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In 2021, Snitker earned an impressive World Series title, his first, at the age of 64. Here we are at seasons end in 2023 and Alex Anthopoluos expects Brian Snitker to be leading the charge for Atlanta come 2024 according to David O'Brien.
#Braves GM/president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos said he fully expects Brian Snitker to return as manager in 2024. Made it clear that anything different has not even been discussed.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) October 13, 2023
To some, this may come as a surprise but to most, it is a no-brainer. Snitker is a guy who grew up in the "old school" style of baseball. With that approach, players are supposed to put their heads down and run out ground balls, not show emotion even in big moments, and analytics were non-existent.
Now at the age of 67, Snitker has seen the game change. He has openly admitted this was something he has had to get used to. Brian Snitker has done a great job adjusting to the modern era of Major League Baseball and it has served him well to lead the Braves who are full of young talent to a lot of success.
Brian Snitker signed a contract extension back in January of this year to stay with the Atlanta Braves through the 2025 season. After the Braves' premature exit in the postseason following a 104-win regular season, some think Snitker may be the problem. Alex Anthopoulos does not see it that way and is putting his trust in Snitker for the future.
With Snitker also pushing 70 years of age, the question regarding retirement is coming sooner rather than later. Obviously, he has a love for the game of baseball and specifically the Atlanta Braves or he would not dedicate over 40 years of his life to them. However, at some point, he will feel he has done all he has been called to do. It just appears that will not be the case after 2023.