ATLANTA
Since longtime manager Brian Snitker stepped down from his position on October 1, speculation has been swirling about who will take the helm of the Atlanta Braves — a team looking to bounce back after an uncharacteristically uneven 2025 season.
Nearly every major outlet has weighed in with its own predictions, and now ESPN has joined the conversation, releasing its official top four managerial candidates on October 13.
ESPN’s Top Four Candidates
According to ESPN, the early favorites to replace Snitker are:
- Mark DeRosa – The former Braves utility player, who managed Team USA to a runner-up finish in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, is widely viewed as a strong candidate. DeRosa’s combination of analytical insight, leadership skills, and familiarity with Atlanta’s culture make him an appealing choice.
- John Gibbons – A veteran with 11 years of managerial experience with the Toronto Blue Jays, Gibbons brings a traditional baseball mind and proven clubhouse leadership. His name has surfaced on several shortlists across the league.
- David Ross – A former Braves catcher and recently dismissed Chicago Cubs manager, Ross is known for his ability to connect with players. He guided the Cubs to multiple postseason appearances from 2020–2024 and remains respected for his communication skills and baseball acumen.
- Walt Weiss – The Braves’ current bench coach and former Colorado Rockies manager (2013–2016), Weiss is viewed as the most likely in-house candidate. His close working relationship with Snitker and long-standing familiarity with the Braves’ system could make for a seamless transition.
Familiar Faces at a Braves Reunion
Adding fuel to the speculation, both DeRosa and Ross were spotted attending a mini Braves reunion during the Georgia vs. Auburn football game earlier this month. They appeared alongside Snitker, Chipper Jones, and Tim Hudson, further intensifying rumors of potential interest in the position.
Other Notable Mentions
ESPN’s Buster Olney had previously released a similar list, naming DeRosa, Weiss, and Ross — but replacing Gibbons with Skip Schumaker, who has since been hired by the Texas Rangers.
Meanwhile, Sports Illustrated included three-time Manager of the Year Bob Melvin among its picks, following his recent departure from the San Francisco Giants.
Anthopoulos Keeps His Cards Close
Despite the widespread speculation, Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos insists that the organization has not finalized any official shortlist.
“We always take our time with these decisions,” Anthopoulos said earlier this month. “There’s no set list right now. We’ll evaluate, talk to people, and make sure we find the right fit.”
Still, with free agency and winter meetings fast approaching, the Braves are under pressure to make a decision soon. Stability in leadership will be essential as they retool for another run at the postseason in 2026.
“They’d like to get this figured out sooner rather than later,” one team insider told The Sporting News. “They know how important it is to move forward with clarity before the offseason heats up.”
