The Atlanta Braves could possibly face a managerial search at the conclusion of this season—one that may result in saying goodbye to Brian Snitker if that is the direction he chooses. Many believe Snitker and the Braves will part ways after a lackluster year.
“Because of that consistent recent success, Snit would normally be afforded a ‘mulligan’ year—even though going from the second-best preseason World Series odds to possibly the third-best odds of winning the draft lottery is a pretty serious mulligan,” Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller wrote. “At 69, though, he's already the oldest manager in the National League by a several-year margin and was likely to retire at the end of this season, which is the last one in his current contract.”
A potential replacement could be someone Braves fans have cheered for over the years—someone who has served as a part-time batting instructor for Atlanta.
“Chipper Jones – If he’s willing to work for much less money than he made as a player and also willing to endure the rigors of travel again, this Hall of Fame third baseman might be the logical first choice. He’s served as part-time batting instructor, offering his experiences as a switch-hitter who not only made contact but also hit for power,” Forbes’ Dan Schlossberg wrote.
Snitker has recently come under fire for how he has handled Ronald Acuña Jr.’s slump.
“At 27 years old, Acuña Jr. knows exactly what is expected of him. No one is tougher on Acuña Jr. than himself, and by moving him down in the lineup two days in a row, Snitker is taking unnecessary shots at a player who is just trying to get healthy again. Whether he stays or goes, Snitker could come to regret such a decision,” FanSided’s Mike Powell wrote.
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While this might be the final straw for Snitker, Jones could step into a role he has never seriously considered before. He has the respect of the players after being an organizational great. His career proves he has the potential to be a good manager, but being a player is very different from managing an entire team.