Brian Snitker Won’t Return as Braves Manager in 2026

Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker will officially step down after the 2025 Major League Baseball season. That’ll wrap up a remarkable decade-long run in the Braves’ dugout.

The 69-year-old, who’s spent an unbelievable 49 years with the Braves, will move into a senior advisor role. He’s also set for induction into the Braves Hall of Fame in 2026.

It’s the end of one of the most consistent and successful managerial eras in modern baseball. And honestly, it’s hard to imagine Atlanta’s story without Snitker’s steady hand.

Snitker’s Unmatched Braves Journey

Snitker’s connection to the Braves goes all the way back to the mid-1970s. Not many in pro sports stick with one team this long.

He paid his dues in the minors, working as a bullpen coach and third base coach before ever managing the big-league roster. That kind of deep familiarity made him the obvious choice when the Braves needed new leadership in 2016.

From Interim Manager to Leading the Rebuild

Snitker got thrust into the managerial role in May 2016 after Fredi Gonzalez was let go. He started as the interim guy, but his leadership quickly won over the front office.

By the end of the year, they handed him the job for good. Atlanta was in the middle of a rebuild, but Snitker slowly turned things around and set the team up for success.

Turning Rebuild into Championships

The Braves’ resurgence started to show in 2018, when they notched 90 wins and caught the baseball world’s eye. That season, Snitker picked up the National League Manager of the Year award.

He inspired a young roster and delivered results way ahead of what most people expected. That’s not something you see every day.

Postseason Dominance and World Series Glory

With Snitker at the helm, the Braves made seven postseason trips. They racked up six straight division titles and, of course, that 2021 World Series championship.

His calm presence and knack for clubhouse chemistry helped the team thrive under postseason pressure. October baseball in Atlanta just felt different with him in charge.

Snitker’s Impact in Numbers

Snitker’s managerial record stands at 811–668. That’s second only to Bobby Cox in franchise history.

He kept Atlanta among baseball’s most dependable winners in the late 2010s and early 2020s. The team mixed veteran leadership with rising stars, and it worked.

Approaching the Final Season

2025 will be Snitker’s farewell tour, matching up with the last year of his contract. There’s been plenty of speculation about his plans as he nears 70, but now, it’s official.

Attention shifts to who’s next in the Braves dugout. That’s a tough act to follow.

The Search for the Next Braves Skipper

President of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos hasn’t said much about who’ll succeed Snitker. But with this announcement, the search is on.

The Braves need someone who can keep the winning tradition alive. Building on what Snitker leaves behind won’t be easy.

A Historic Offseason of Change

Snitker’s exit adds to what’s already a wild offseason for managerial changes across MLB. At least eight teams are looking for new skippers for 2026.

The race for top candidates is going to be fierce and could shake up the league’s entire managerial landscape. Who knows where Atlanta will turn next?

Snitker’s Enduring Legacy

The Braves are gearing up for a new chapter, but Snitker’s legacy? Still rock solid. He started as a minor league coach and climbed all the way to World Series-winning manager—talk about perseverance and loyalty.

He’s not just leaving behind wins or trophies. There’s a culture now, one built on accountability and camaraderie, and you can bet others will want to copy it.

If you’re a Braves fan, 2025 is your last shot to watch your skipper call the shots from the dugout. After that, he’ll swap his uniform for an advisor’s chair, but honestly, his mark on the organization won’t fade anytime soon.

• Brian Snitker steps down after the 2025 season, wrapping up a decade as Braves manager.
• He’ll enter the Braves Hall of Fame in 2026.
• He racked up the second-most managerial wins in team history (811–668).
• He led the Braves to 7 postseason runs and the 2021 World Series title.
• He’s been part of the Braves organization for an incredible 49 years.

 
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