Braves predicted to replace Brian Snitker with World Series champion tied to Chipper Jones

Hunter Cookston

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Braves predicted to replace Brian Snitker with World Series champion tied to Chipper Jones image

The Atlanta Braves are heading into the offseason without a manager for the first time in a long while. General Manager Alex Anthopoulos now faces a busy offseason — with big decisions to make not only about the roster, but also who will lead the team from the dugout. For a while, there were rumblings that longtime manager Brian Snitker might return. Even Snitker himself seemed unsure about walking away. But ultimately, he made the decision to step down.

“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.

Anthopoulos made it clear that the decision was entirely Snitker’s — and that he would have been welcomed back without hesitation.

“Anthopoulos made sure to emphasize that Snitker’s departure from the role was in fact the veteran manager’s own decision, and that if he had wanted to remain in the dugout for an 11th season Anthopoulos would not have stood in the way of that. He spoke glowingly of the relationship and trust the two of them had built, and went on to reveal that Snitker is actually under contract with the organization through the 2030 season,” MLB Rumors’ Nick Deeds wrote.

One name already being floated as a potential replacement is former Atlanta Brave and current MLB Network analyst Mark DeRosa.

“This MLB Network star has come a long way since being the quiet young guy who drew the favor of Chipper Jones, B.J. Surhoff and many other veteran Braves around the start of this century. His lone managerial experience came as Team USA's skipper in the World Baseball Classic, but he’s a great communicator who could benefit from an experienced bench coach,” Braves insider Mark Bowman wrote.

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DeRosa led Team USA during the World Baseball Classic and found some success, but his only managerial experience spans just over a month. That lack of long-term, in-season managing could be his biggest obstacle if the Braves decide to go in that direction.

Anthopoulos will take his time with the decision. It’s crucial the Braves find the right fit — and DeRosa could very well be that.

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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.