Braves’ Alex Anthopoulos Breaks Tradition: A Fresh Managerial Search to Revive Atlanta’s Dynasty.vc
Atlanta, October 26, 2025 – After a forgettable 76-86 season that dashed playoff hopes and ended Brian Snitker’s storied 10-year tenure, the Atlanta Braves are charting uncharted waters. Snitker, the architect of the 2021 World Series triumph and six NL East titles, announced his retirement on October 1, transitioning to a senior advisory role through 2030 under an eight-year extension signed in 2023. Now, president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos faces his first independent managerial hire since joining Atlanta in 2017—a “never before seen” opportunity to inject fresh blood into a franchise craving resurgence.
Snitker’s Exit: A Graceful End to an Era
At 69, Snitker was MLB’s oldest manager, and his decision wasn’t tied to the 2025 skid—Anthopoulos confirmed he’d have returned if desired. “He would have been back,” Anthopoulos said at his October 4 press conference. Snitker’s 811-688 record ranks third in franchise history, but injuries to stars like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider, plus offensive woes, forced a reset.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan broke the news: “Brian Snitker will not return as manager… but he will remain with the organization in a senior advisory capacity.” This smooth handover underscores Anthopoulos’ emphasis on loyalty, but it opens the door for reinvention.
Anthopoulos’ Lens: No More Status Quo
For the first time, Anthopoulos is unburdened by the Bobby Cox coaching tree that defined Atlanta’s last three managers (Cox, Fredi González, Snitker). Braves reporter Grant McAuley, on The Foul Territory podcast, captured the shift:
“This represents Alex Anthopoulos’ first opportunity to look at it through his lens… There’s no impetus to keep it status quo or with somebody under the Bobby Cox coaching tree.”
Anthopoulos prioritizes “integrity” and character, vowing thorough vetting: “We’ll talk to as many people as possible” before interviews. True to his secretive style, he’s kept the process airtight: No list exists yet, no interviews conducted, and “if we do our job right, you won’t have anything” to report. As of October 26, with six other teams (Angels, Giants, Nationals, Orioles, Rockies, Twins) filling vacancies, Atlanta lags but aims for a swift hire.
Emerging Candidates: A Blend of Ties and Fresh Faces
Speculation swirls around a narrowed pool of three frontrunners, per insiders: Dodgers bench coach Danny Lehmann (Anthopoulos’ former colleague), Cubs bench coach Ryan Flaherty (2018 Brave), and Tigers bench coach George Lombard (Atlanta native, ex-Brave). All are first-time managers, signaling a youth infusion over veterans.
Other names include John Gibbons (ex-Blue Jays skipper under Anthopoulos, recently stepped down from Mets bench), David Ross (Georgia native, ex-Brave and Cubs manager), Mark DeRosa (Braves alum, MLB Network analyst), Walt Weiss (Snitker’s bench coach, ex-Colorado manager), and Eddie Pérez (Cox disciple with interest). Recent reports rule out Ross and DeRosa, with Gibbons’ age (63) drawing skepticism. On X, fans debate: “Lehmann or Flaherty? Time for fresh blood!” while others lament the delay: “Other teams are hiring; AA’s got us in limbo.”
| Candidate | Ties to Braves/Anthopoulos | Experience | Why a Fit? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Danny Lehmann | Worked with AA at Dodgers | Bench coach (LAD) | Analytical edge; modern communicator |
| Ryan Flaherty | Played for ATL (2018) | Bench coach (CHC) | Youthful energy; player development focus |
| George Lombard | ATL native; played 1998-99 | Bench coach (DET) | Local roots; respected leader |
| John Gibbons | Managed under AA (TOR) | 11 years managing | Proven track record; familiarity |
| David Ross | Played for ATL (2008-09) | 4 years managing (CHC) | Championship pedigree; Georgia ties |
High Stakes: A Hire to Heal and Build
This search isn’t just about filling a dugout—it’s a referendum on Anthopoulos’ vision amid payroll pressures (e.g., Ha-Seong Kim’s option) and needs at shortstop, starting pitching, and the bullpen. A misstep could stall Atlanta’s core of Matt Olson, Austin Riley, and Acuña. But get it right, and the Braves could recapture 2021 magic.
As Chipper Jones quipped, “We don’t know what Alex is thinking.” Fans on X echo the intrigue: “AA’s secrecy is killing me, but this could be genius.”
Conclusion
Alex Anthopoulos’ managerial odyssey is a bold pivot for the Braves—a break from tradition toward a leader who embodies integrity and innovation. With frontrunners like Lehmann, Flaherty, and Lombard emerging, Atlanta’s future hangs in the balance. Will this “never before seen” hire spark a revival, or test the franchise’s patience? As the offseason heats up, Braves Country waits—for a name that could etch a new dynasty.
