ATLANTA — After a crushing 2025 season that saw the Atlanta Braves limp to an 89-73 record and a first-round playoff exit against the San Diego Padres, the franchise is charting a new course. Brian Snitker, the 69-year-old manager who led Atlanta to a 2021 World Series title and six straight division crowns, announced his departure on October 21, 2025, opting for a senior advisory role, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Into this void steps an unexpected frontrunner: Los Angeles Dodgers bench coach Danny Lehmann, a two-time World Series champion whose deep ties to Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos and analytical expertise make him a bold, if unconventional, choice to lead a veteran-heavy roster into 2026.
A Disappointing 2025 Sparks Change
The Braves’ 2025 campaign was a stark departure from their dynasty-level expectations. Entering with the second-best preseason World Series odds, they stumbled to a 0-7 start, battled injuries to Ronald Acuña Jr., Chris Sale, and Spencer Strider, and posted a .225 batting average with runners in scoring position—a fatal flaw in their playoff loss. Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller noted that Snitker, the NL’s oldest manager, might have earned a “mulligan” for his 774-549 record, but the season’s collapse—coupled with his contract’s end—prompted his exit. “It’s time for a new voice,” Snitker said, per MLB.com, signaling a shift for a franchise craving redemption.
Danny Lehmann: The Unexpected Contender
Lehmann, 40, has surged as the leading candidate, per MLB.com’s Mark Bowman, despite initially flying under the radar. A Dodgers lifer since 2015, he rose from video coordinator to bench coach under Dave Roberts, contributing to World Series titles in 2020 and 2024, with a third bid ongoing against Toronto in 2025. His tenure as advance video scout (2016-17) overlapped with Anthopoulos’ time as Dodgers VP, forging a connection that has endured, per Braves Today. “Lehmann’s ability to translate analytics into wins is what AA values,” a source told The Sporting News, highlighting his role in L.A.’s data-driven dominance.
Lehmann’s lack of managerial experience is offset by his strategic pedigree. As House That Hank Built notes, his “crazy bandwidth” for game planning—praised by Roberts—equips him to manage Atlanta’s star-studded lineup, including Acuña, Austin Riley, and Matt Olson. With the Dodgers in the World Series, Atlanta may wait until November to finalize, per Bowman, signaling Lehmann’s frontrunner status.
The Anthopoulos Connection and a New Approach
Lehmann’s rise hinges on his synergy with Anthopoulos, whose analytical rebuild fueled Atlanta’s 2021 title. Unlike Snitker’s old-school rapport, Lehmann offers a modern, data-driven edge, akin to Roberts’ player-centric yet tactical style. Larry Brown Sports calls it a “change in approach,” vital for a team plagued by 2025’s injuries and bullpen woes (46 pitchers used, tying a record). Other candidates—Ryan Flaherty (Cubs bench coach) and George Lombard (Tigers bench coach), both ex-Braves—offer familiarity, but Lehmann’s external perspective and Anthopoulos ties give him the edge.
Challenges Ahead: Leading a Veteran Roster
The Braves’ roster, laden with veterans like Acuña, Ozzie Albies, and Marcell Ozuna, demands internal leadership to complement a rookie manager. Lehmann’s lack of head-coaching experience could strain clubhouse dynamics, but his success managing L.A.’s stars (Ohtani, Betts) suggests adaptability. X fans are split: “Lehmann’s a gamble, but AA trusts him,” one post read, while another urged, “Lombard knows the Braves’ soul—pick him!” Battery Power notes Lehmann’s hiring would signal a “bold reset,” aligning with potential trades (e.g., Sean Murphy, Acuña) to bolster a thin farm system.
Why Lehmann Could Be the Answer
Lehmann’s analytical chops, championship pedigree, and Anthopoulos connection make him a compelling fit to navigate Atlanta’s 2026 challenges—rebuilding pitching depth, addressing offensive inconsistency, and sparking a roster stung by 2025’s failures. His Dodgers experience equips him to maximize talents like Hurston Waldrep and Drake Baldwin while steering veterans toward another title run.
As the Braves wait for the World Series to conclude, Lehmann’s candidacy looms as a defining choice—a bridge between Atlanta’s storied past and a future demanding fresh fire.
