On Wednesday, Jon Heyman of the NY Post dropped a significant revelation: there is a “decent chance” that Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker may retire after the 2024 season, which will be the final year of his current contract.
The potential departure of Snitker, who has been at the helm of the Braves since midway through the 2016 season, would represent a substantial loss for the team. Under Snitker’s leadership, the Braves have clinched the division title in each of the last six seasons and secured the World Series championship in 2021. His tenure has been marked by consistent success and stability, making him a cornerstone of the franchise.
While Alex Anthopoulos, the Braves’ president of baseball operations, has been instrumental in building a competitive team, Snitker‘s contributions as manager have been equally crucial. The prospect of losing him raises concerns about maintaining the team’s high standards and performance levels.
Given this potential development, it is prudent for the Braves to begin considering possible successors well in advance. Here are three potential candidates who could step into Snitker’s shoes:
1. Skip Schumaker: An Intriguing Prospect if He’s Willing to Wait
Skip Schumaker, who took over as the Miami Marlins’ manager ahead of the 2023 season, is an appealing option for the Braves. In his inaugural year with the Marlins, Schumaker led the team to the postseason despite facing numerous challenges, including a poor run differential. His managerial acumen was evident as he skillfully managed a roster that frequently battled close games, ultimately earning him the NL Manager of the Year award.
However, Schumaker’s second season with the Marlins has not mirrored his debut success. The team’s performance has been impacted by the trade of their top hitter, Luis Arraez, and injuries to key pitchers Sandy Alcantara and Eury Perez. Despite these setbacks, Schumaker’s leadership remains noteworthy.
Schumaker’s contract includes an option year that will be voided before the 2024 season, making him a free agent at the end of this year. This creates a potential opportunity for the Braves. If Snitker retires after the 2024 season, Schumaker could be a prime candidate to replace him, provided he is willing to wait until the 2025 offseason. However, this scenario hinges on Schumaker’s willingness to delay his next managerial role, as he will likely attract considerable interest from other teams seeking a skilled leader.
For more insights and updates on potential managerial changes and other MLB news, fans can tune into MLB Insider Robert Murray’s discussions on The Baseball Insiders podcast and join the discord community for the latest information as the offseason approaches.
