The Atlanta Braves have some major decisions to make this offseason following a year full of disappointment. The only way to avoid a repeat is by having a truly impactful offseason. On Tuesday, the first major domino fell when Brian Snitker announced he would not be returning as manager next season.
“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 wrote.
One of the Braves' biggest issues this past season was injuries — particularly to the starting rotation. At one point, pitching coach Rick Kranitz’s job appeared to be in jeopardy because of it.
“With that said, the Braves cannot be successful in 2026 without fixing whatever problems they have with keeping their pitchers healthy. The organizational depth clearly isn't built to withstand the rash of injuries that has hit Atlanta's rotation the past few seasons, and at the end of the day Kranitz may not be built for it either,” HTHB’s Chase Owens wrote.
Looking ahead, the Braves are expected to make a major splash on the pitching market — and one name already linked to them is Georgia native Dylan Cease.
“Cease is the most intriguing player on the market. He had a down season, for sure, but he can still throw some absolutely filthy stuff, as evidenced by his 215 strikeouts. He is not the Cy Young-caliber pitcher he was a season ago, or at his peak in Chicago, but the tools are there for him to rekindle that level of play and become an elite thrower again,” Bleacher Report’s Eric Beaston wrote. “Prediction: Cease signs with Atlanta and attempts to rejuvenate his play and their playoff chances.”
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Cease would be another example of Atlanta finding a way to make a deal work. The Braves have a reputation for taking chances — and seeing them pay off. But Cease wouldn’t be just a chance — he'd be a must-have.
If the Braves land Cease, their rotation could instantly become one of the league’s best. A top three of Cease, Chris Sale, and Spencer Strider would give them a lethal trio and a real shot at redemption in 2026.