Braves Set for New Management in 2026
After an unexpected playoff-free season for the first time in eight years, the Braves are gearing up for a managerial change as they look to get back into competition in 2026.
Brian Snitker, who previously led the team to a World Series win, has transitioned to an advisory role for the upcoming season and will be honored with induction into the team’s Hall of Fame next year, as announced by Atlanta on Wednesday.
At 69 years old, Snitker has been with the Braves for nine seasons, culminating in their last World Series victory in 2021.
Under his guidance, Atlanta solidified its status as one of baseball’s premier organizations, making the playoffs seven consecutive times from 2018 to 2024 and claiming titles in 2020 and 2021.
With an overall record of 811 wins against 668 losses (.548), Snitker also earned the NL Manager of the Year Award in 2018.
The veteran manager spent nearly five decades in various roles within the Braves organization, starting from the minors.
However, some of Snitker’s optimism seemed to wane after the team faced three consecutive postseason exits from 2022 to 2024, two of which were disappointment-laden encounters with their rivals, the Phillies.
The 2025 Braves were hopeful at the start of the season, aiming to compete against the Mets and the Phillies, but were quickly derailed by continuous injuries.
Chris Sale started only 20 games, while Spencer Strider made 23 appearances, and Spencer Schwenbach pitched in just 17 matches. Reinaldo Lopez has had limited appearances as well.
Despite some bright spots, like Austin Riley playing 102 games and Ronald Acuña Jr. returning from an ACL injury to participate in 95 contests, the team struggled through the season.
Ultimately, the Braves wrapped up the season in fourth place, finishing with a 76-86 record—their first losing season since 2017. This was also Snitker’s first full season as manager after taking over mid-2016.
Whoever steps in to replace Snitker will inherit a talented roster that has the potential to excel, but concerns linger about injury woes that could throw the season off course.
