Atlanta Braves fans woke up to a seismic shift in the organization on Wednesday, as longtime manager Brian Snitker announced he won't return for the 2026 season. After guiding the team through a decade of ups and downs, including that thrilling 2021 World Series triumph over the Houston Astros, Snitker's departure feels both inevitable and bittersweet. The 69-year-old, who's spent nearly 50 years with the Braves in various roles, will transition to a senior advisory position— a move that honors his legacy without the daily grind of the dugout.
Indeed, the decision comes after a frustrating 2025 campaign where Atlanta missed the playoffs for the first time since 2017, plagued by injuries and inconsistencies. Snitker, ever the steady hand, had hinted at fatigue earlier in the year, but his fire for the game never fully dimmed. Yet, with the core roster still stacked with talent like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Matt Olson, the Braves brass clearly sees this as a chance to inject fresh energy into the clubhouse. ESPN's coverage has been quick to dissect the fallout, labeling it a pivotal reset for a franchise hungry for another deep run.
Enter Mark DeRosa, the former big-league infielder whose name is buzzing louder than most in replacement chatter. DeRosa, who played briefly for Atlanta back in the early 2000s, brings a pedigree that includes managing Team USA to gold in the 2023 World Baseball Classic and stints as a broadcaster. His analytical edge, honed through years at ESPN, could mesh well with the Braves' data-driven approach. However, he's not alone in the mix—other names like Ron Washington and bench coach Walt Weiss are floating around, each with their own ties to the organization. DeRosa's charisma and winning pedigree, though, give him that subtle frontrunner vibe.
Moreover, this shakeup underscores the relentless churn of MLB, where even World Series heroes like Snitker aren't immune to change. As the offseason carousel spins faster, one can't help but wonder if Atlanta's next chapter will recapture that 2021 magic or stumble into uncharted territory.