Braves’ Hidden Ace: Why Dodgers’ Danny Lehmann Is the Frontrunner to Replace Snitker – A New Era Awaits.vc
Atlanta, October 29, 2025 – The Atlanta Braves’ managerial vacancy has lingered for weeks since Brian Snitker’s heartfelt October 1 retirement, but don’t mistake the delay for disarray—it’s strategy. With the Dodgers and Blue Jays locked in a World Series thriller (LA up 1-0 after Game 1), Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos is reportedly holding out for his top target: Dodgers bench coach Danny Lehmann. According to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman, Lehmann’s “candidacy has seemingly strengthened over the past couple weeks,” with the Braves poised to wait until the Fall Classic concludes—potentially into November. At 40, the analytics savant—former Dodgers video scout and game-planner—brings a fresh, data-driven edge to a franchise craving reinvention after a 76-86 skid. With ties to Anthopoulos and a resume from MLB’s gold standard, Lehmann edges rivals like Ryan Flaherty and George Lombard. Braves fans, this isn’t procrastination—it’s precision. The chop is coming, but only when the Series ends.
Snitker’s Swan Song: Honoring a Legend
Snitker’s 10-year tenure was a masterclass: Seven straight postseasons, the 2021 World Series triumph, and 811 wins (third in franchise history). But 2025’s injury-ravaged collapse—Acuña’s knee, Strider’s rehab—signaled transition. At 69, MLB’s oldest NL skipper, Snitker opted out, shifting to a senior advisor role through 2030. “It was time,” he said tearfully, flanked by Riley and Strider. Anthopoulos, ever the chess master (“You won’t have anything if we do it right”), has kept the search airtight, ruling out David Ross, Mark DeRosa, and John Gibbons. Internal picks like Walt Weiss and Eddie Pérez faded without a succession plan. Now, with the Giants, Angels, and Rangers filling voids, Atlanta lags—but it’s deliberate.
Lehmann’s Profile: Analytics Prodigy with Braves Bloodlines
Lehmann, 40, is a Dodgers lifer: Video coordinator (2015–17), advance scout, and bench coach under Dave Roberts since 2023, contributing to three NL West titles and the 2024 World Series. His unconventional path—game-planning wizardry—aligns with Anthopoulos’ data obsession; the duo overlapped in LA (2016–17), fostering a bond that persists. “Lehmann’s info bandwidth is insane,” Roberts praised. At 40, he offers longevity over Snitker’s 69, injecting youth into a core led by 27-year-old Acuña and 28-year-old Riley. The Braves’ elite analytics department craves his process: “Waiting for Lehmann signals cutting-edge commitment,” The Athletic’s David O’Brien noted. On X, fans hype: “Lehmann from the Dodgers dynasty? Instant chop!”
The Competition: A Narrowed Field of Frontrunners
Lehmann heads a trio of finalists, per insiders: Cubs bench coach Ryan Flaherty (39, ex-Brave, player developer) and Tigers bench coach George Lombard (50, Atlanta native, ex-player). Flaherty’s Cubs NLDS run shines, Lombard’s A.J. Hinch mentorship intrigues, but neither matches Lehmann’s Dodgers pedigree. Dark horses like Ron Washington (ex-Angels) and Bud Black (ex-Rockies) lurk, but O’Brien dismisses: “No Snitker succession means fresh blood.”
| Candidate | Age | Braves Tie | Key Strength | WS Delay? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Danny Lehmann | 40 | Anthopoulos (2016–17) | Dodgers analytics | Yes (bench coach) |
| Ryan Flaherty | 39 | Ex-player (2018) | Cubs player dev. | No |
| George Lombard | 50 | Ex-player (1998–99) | Tigers leadership | No |
The Stakes: A Quick Series End for a New Chop
Anthopoulos’ patience is tactical: A Blue Jays upset frees Lehmann by October 30; a Dodgers sweep delays to November 5. Interim interviews loom, but protocol holds: “No mid-Series poaching.” Bowman adds: “Lehmann’s the one they want.” A hire signals evolution: Youth (43 average finalist age), analytics (pairing with Chipper Jones as hitting coach?), and continuity (Anthopoulos’ ally). On X, #LehmannToATL trends: “From Dodgers dynasty to Braves revival? Chop it!”
Conclusion
The Braves’ World Series “rooting interest” isn’t Freeman nostalgia—it’s a sprint to snag Danny Lehmann. At 40, with Anthopoulos’ trust and LA’s blueprint, he’s the voice to rally a 76-86 squad. Fans, root for Jays magic: Your next skipper’s in the dugout. Chop soon.
