The Atlanta Braves 2024 postseason run ended much sooner than any of us would have liked. However, coaches and players were hopeful next season could be the return of the dominant squad that captured six straight NL East division crowns from 2018-2023.
This season was about as hard of luck as a team could have with injuries, but you won't hear the guys in the clubhouse use that as an excuse. Instead, many Braves personnel are already eyeing 2025 as a shot at redemption, including manager Brian Snitker.
Snitker plans to return in 2025
There wasn't much speculation around Brian Snitker's job security given he guided the depleted 2024 Braves to the postseason. However, some questioned how much longer Snit would manage before retiring. Snitker answered that question in his post-series press conference with the media.
Snitker said he plans on returning next season to manage, and that he "wishes spring training began tomorrow." Clearly, Snitker knows how talented this group is and he certainly doesn't want finish his lengthy baseball career on such a grueling season.
#Braves’ Brian Snitker said he absolutely plans to manage next season and that he wishes spring training began tomorrow. Said he’s exhausted, more excited about going back to camp with these guys than he’s ever been.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) October 3, 2024
Braves catcher wants Atlanta to bring Max Fried back in free agency
One of the worst parts about the heartbreaking Game Two loss to San Diego was the storyline about the game possibly being the final time we see Max Fried in a Braves uniform. Fried is considered by many to be among the best free agents in the 2025 class.
That didn't stop one Braves player from pushing for Alex Anthopoulos to bring back Fried. Veteran catcher Travis d'Arnaud told reporters that he really hopes Fried is back with the Braves next season. d'Arnaud went on to say that Fried has given his heart and soul to the Atlanta organization, and that he has been an integral part in the development of so many young pitchers in the system. We certainly won't argue that.
Braves rivals set to square off in NLDS
Despite the chaotic travel over the last week, the New York Mets find themselves still playing meaningful baseball. Their season was on the ropes in the winner-take-all Game Three against Milwaukee, but Pete Alonso came up big for the Mets when it mattered most.
With New York trailing 2-0 in the top of the ninth, Alonso hit a three-run homer off Brewers closer Devin Williams to give the Mets the lead (and ultimately the win). This sets up every Braves fans nightmare, where the Mets will battle the Phillies for the right to advance to the NLCS. Unfortunately, it's still impossible for both teams to lose.