Braves' Ozzie Albies, Sean Murphy could face nightmare scenario after Brian Snitker's departure

Hunter Cookston

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Braves' Ozzie Albies, Sean Murphy could face nightmare scenario after Brian Snitker's departure image

The Atlanta Braves are heading into an offseason without a manager for the first time in a while. Despite this, the Braves still have a strong core group that makes them an attractive destination for managers looking to take over. This comes after former manager Brian Snitker announced he will not be returning in 2026.

“Brian Snitker will not return as manager of the Atlanta Braves, sources tell ESPN. He informed the team of his decision yesterday. But he will remain with the organization in a senior advisory capacity,” ESPN’s Jeff Passan posted.

Snitker was known for his loyalty to his players, sticking with them even when they struggled mightily. However, the new manager might not share that same patience.

“Ozzie Albies and Sean Murphy are great examples of players who haven't lived up to expectations over the last two years and still remained in the lineup. It is easy to see a new manager lacking this same patience with failing pieces. This is especially the case with players who have already been on thin ice for more than two seasons,” ATL All Day’s Nick Halden wrote.

Albies’ tenure with the Braves is already on the ropes, as GM Alex Anthopoulos holds the power to decide whether he returns next season. Anthopoulos’s earlier comments this season weren’t particularly reassuring.

“With all these options (on players), we always make the decision at the end of the year — you have five days after the World Series, and that’s when you make the decision. It’s just, things can happen, things change. You always wait,” Anthopoulos said.

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The Braves’ next manager could bring an entirely new identity. Murphy and Albies will need to improve their production, or their time in Atlanta could come to an end.

It will be interesting to see how the new manager handles struggling players. For Albies and Murphy, their leash just got even shorter.

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Hunter Cookston

Hunter Cookston began his career as a sportswriter for the Marion Tribune, where he covered local high school football, basketball and baseball. His passion for sports started at the age of four when he played his first year of tee ball. Growing up in Tennessee, he developed a deep love for the Tennessee Volunteers and Atlanta Braves. Hunter is currently attending Tennessee Wesleyan University, where he is pursuing a BA in Sports Communications/Management.