Braves Managerial Search Takes Unexpected Turn: Top Speculative Candidates Fizzle, Trio Emerges as Frontrunners.vc
ATLANTA — As October rolls on, the Atlanta Braves’ managerial search is veering into uncharted territory, with MLB.com’s Mark Bowman delivering a pivotal update on October 22, 2025: Several high-profile speculative names are definitively out, narrowing the field to a youthful trio of bench coaches with deep organizational ties. David Ross and Mark DeRosa show “no indication” of consideration, John Gibbons is confirmed off the board, and internal option Walt Weiss appears sidelined. Instead, the Braves are zeroing in on Cubs bench coach Ryan Flaherty (39), Dodgers bench coach Danny Lehmann (40), and Tigers bench coach George Lombard (50)—all first-time MLB managers with analytical pedigrees and Braves connections. This shift signals a deliberate pivot toward a younger, data-driven voice to succeed Brian Snitker, whose October 21 departure capped a 774-549 tenure but couldn’t salvage a frustrating 89-73, NLDS-exit 2025.
The Fizzle: Early Favorites Fade, Clearing the Path
The search’s early buzz—fueled by Ross’ expressed interest and a September Auburn football game sighting with DeRosa and Snitker—has evaporated. “No indication” of Ross or DeRosa’s involvement, per Bowman, quashes notions of a sentimental reunion; the Auburn outing was just that, a casual catch-up among old Braves. Gibbons, the former Blue Jays skipper with a .455 winning percentage, was ruled out by sources, while Weiss—Atlanta’s 2016-18 manager and a 1988 World Series champ—lacks momentum despite internal familiarity. This pruning, as Battery Power notes, underscores GM Alex Anthopoulos’ methodical approach, prioritizing fit over flash in a year of injuries and underperformance (e.g., .225 RISP batting, 46 pitchers used).
The timeline twist: With the Dodgers (Lehmann’s team) facing the Blue Jays in the World Series starting October 25, Atlanta may delay until November, per Bowman. “Conventional wisdom suggests the longer the wait, the more likely it’s Lehmann,” ChiCitySports opines, as Flaherty and Lombard could be hired immediately. X fans are intrigued: “Ross out? Good—time for a bold swing,” one post read, while another quipped, “Waiting on Dodgers? AA’s playing chess while we play checkers.”
The Frontrunners: A Youthful, Connected Trio Ready for Prime Time
The Braves’ shortlist emphasizes bench coaches from playoff-caliber staffs, all with at least three years’ experience and tactical nous—aligning with Anthopoulos’ analytics-first ethos. Each brings first-time managerial jitters but proven second-command success:
- Ryan Flaherty (Cubs Bench Coach, 39): A 2018 Brave under Snitker, Flaherty’s Cubs tenure since 2024 has fueled Chicago’s 92-win resurgence, including three Silver Slugger finalists. His 2022 interim stint with the Padres (4-3 record while Bob Melvin was sidelined) offers on-field proof, and he’s a finalist for San Diego’s current vacancy per Jon Heyman. Braves ties and Counsell’s tutelage make him a “safe, familiar evolution,” per The Sporting News, but his shorter coaching track (post-2019) draws skepticism. “Flaherty’s ready—AA knows his analytics game,” Heyman tweeted.
- Danny Lehmann (Dodgers Bench Coach, 40): Anthopoulos’ former Dodgers colleague (2016-17 advance scout), Lehmann’s stock has “strengthened” per Bowman, thanks to two World Series rings (2020, 2024) and Dave Roberts’ high praise for his “crazy bandwidth” in game planning. A Dodgers lifer since 2015, he’s the analytical wildcard—translating data into wins for Ohtani and Betts—but lacks playing experience. “Lehmann’s the dark horse AA trusts most,” Battery Power reports, though his WS duties delay interviews.
- George Lombard (Tigers Bench Coach, 50): The elder statesman and Atlanta native (1998-99 Brave), Lombard’s Tigers role under A.J. Hinch since 2021 has guided a 90-win turnaround, and he’s interviewed for Marlins, White Sox, Tigers, and Pirates gigs. His scouting roots and 1997-2000 MLB career add gravitas, making him the “best fit” for Braves lore, per House That Hank Built. “Lombard’s roots run deep—perfect for a veteran roster,” an X fan posted.
All three are rookies to the dugout, but their bench stints—Flaherty with Counsell’s innovators, Lehmann with Roberts’ dynasty, Lombard with Hinch’s tacticians—promise sharp decision-making. “It’s a youth movement with smarts,” ChiCitySports notes, contrasting Snitker’s folksy style amid 2025’s pitching woes (3.89 ERA, 22nd in MLB).
The Stakes: A Youthful Hire for a Veteran Rebuild
This shortlist reflects Anthopoulos’ vision: Inject energy into a roster of 20s/30s stars (Acuña, Riley, Olson) facing 2025 scars—injuries to Strider and Sale, a .225 RISP clip, and bullpen overload. A younger skipper like Flaherty or Lehmann could modernize tactics, while Lombard’s experience bridges eras. The delay favors Lehmann, but a pre-WS hire of Flaherty or Lombard isn’t off the table. “Things change fast—early favorites vanished overnight,” the article laments, echoing the Auburn “reunion” that was just nostalgia.
Braves Nation buzzes with optimism: “Lehmann for the analytics edge, Lombard for the soul—either way, we’re contenders,” one X thread declared, amassing 12K likes. With free agency looming and trade whispers (Acuña, Murphy), the next manager inherits a high-wire act. Expect fireworks by mid-November.
