October 13, 2025 | ATLANTA
The Atlanta Braves entered the offseason prepared to begin a new era. After nearly a decade under Brian Snitker, the club now faces the challenge of finding his successor — and that search just got a lot harder.
Snitker, 69, officially announced his retirement shortly after the regular season, ending one of the most successful managerial tenures in franchise history. The Braves expected the transition to be smooth, but a surprising move from another contender may now complicate everything.
Snitker Retires on His Own Terms
Speculation had swirled all season about whether Snitker would return or if Atlanta’s front office might opt for change. Instead, the veteran skipper made the decision himself.
“Brian Snitker will not return as manager of the Atlanta Braves,” ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported. “He informed the team of his decision yesterday but will remain with the organization in a senior advisory capacity.”
Snitker exits as one of the most respected figures in modern Braves history. Since taking over full-time in 2016, he guided Atlanta to six straight postseason appearances, five division titles, and a World Series championship in 2021.
Still, after a disappointing 2025 campaign that fell short of expectations, it was clear that change — one way or another — was coming.
“Because of that consistent recent success, Snit would normally be afforded a ‘mulligan’ year,” wrote Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller. “At 69, though, he’s already the oldest manager in the National League and was likely to retire at the end of this season, which was the last year of his contract.”
Padres’ Stunning Move Complicates Braves’ Plans
Just as the Braves began to evaluate top candidates, another development rocked the managerial market: San Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt also announced his retirement.
That decision instantly changed the dynamics of the offseason.
“Unfortunately for the Braves, this adds yet another attractive opening for the top managerial candidates out there,” wrote HTHB’s Eric Cole. “The Padres have stars on both sides of the ball, including young talent like Jackson Merrill and Fernando Tatis Jr., and they narrowly missed advancing in the playoffs this year after a tight series against the Cubs.”
The allure of managing a talent-loaded roster in sunny San Diego now looms large over the Braves’ search. As Cole noted, “If you’re one of the better managerial candidates on the market, spending half the season in beautiful San Diego has a lot of appeal.”
Atlanta Faces Pressure in Its Search
The Braves’ front office, led by GM Alex Anthopoulos, has said it plans to take its time finding the right fit — prioritizing leadership, communication, and cultural alignment over speed.
But the new Padres opening might force Atlanta to accelerate. Several top candidates — including Stephen Vogt, Joe Espada, and Mark DeRosa — are expected to draw interest from both clubs.
With multiple high-profile teams now in the mix, Anthopoulos risks losing his preferred choice if negotiations drag on.
“We’re going to be deliberate,” Anthopoulos told reporters earlier this week. “This isn’t about filling a role quickly. It’s about finding the right leader for the next decade of Braves baseball.”
Deliberate or not, San Diego’s surprise retirement announcement has dramatically reshaped the market.
What’s Next for the Braves
Atlanta still boasts one of the league’s most desirable managerial positions — a star-studded roster, strong farm system, and a front office committed to winning. But the competition for elite leadership just intensified.
With two powerhouse franchises now seeking new managers at the same time, the Braves must move decisively if they want to secure their next clubhouse leader before he heads west.
San Diego just made things interesting.
And for the Braves, the race to replace Brian Snitker has officially begun.
