Lots of good candidates out there, and here are my top three.
NOTE: I would like to take a moment to remember the man who inspired my love of baseball in all its forms, my Pappaw, and more specifically, my love for the Atlanta Braves. He loved his Braves and passed that love down to me. So, this one is for him.
Brian Snikter (photo courtesy Boston Globe)
News broke this week that Brian Snitker would not return as the manager for the Atlanta Braves next season. He will remain with the Braves organization, but will transition into an advisory role. He has been with the Braves for 49 years, starting as a catcher and first baseman in the Braves’ minor league system in 1977.
He has been the manager of the Braves since 2016. During his time at the helm, he led the team to six straight NL East Division titles (2018-2023), and in 2021, he led the Braves to a World Series Championship. He was also named the 2018 National League manager of the year.
Snitker leaves big shoes to fill. Let’s take a look at our candidates, from whom I feel is least likely to who I think would be the best fit.
Ron Washington – Former Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Angels Manager/Former Atlanta Braves Third Base Coach
Ron Washington (photo courtesy FOX 5 Atlanta and Getty Images)
If we were going based on resume alone, Ron Washington would be at the top of this list. He has two previous stints as a manager in the MLB. His first stint was with the Texas Rangers from 2007 to 2014. During his time with the Rangers, he led the team to back-to-back World Series appearances in 2010 and 2011 but came up short both times. His second managerial stint began with the Los Angeles Angels in 2024 and lasted until he was left on medical leave earlier in the 2025 season.
After the conclusion of the 2025 season, the Angels announced that he would not be returning. In between his managerial stints, he worked as the Infield Coach for the Oakland A’s from 2015-2016, and as the Third Base Coach for the Atlanta Braves from 2017-2023. He was also a finalist for the Braves manager job in 2016 before the team promoted Snitker to the role.
While Washington does have the experience and resume, I would have some reservations about hiring him. At 73, it’s clear that he has more days working behind him than ahead of him, and his undisclosed medical issue, which ended his time in Los Angeles, also raises concerns. I think the Braves should consider hiring someone more likely to be with the team long-term.
Mark DeRosa – Former Team USA Manager
Mark DeRosa brings over a decade of MLB playing experience to the table. His first stint as a player was with the Atlanta Braves from 1998-2004. After the end of his time in Atlanta, he would continue to play in the big leagues until 2013. Then, in 2023, he was named manager of Team USA for the World Baseball Classic, where he led the team to a silver medal.
Despite his lack of managerial experience, he’s still being mentioned as a possible fit for the Braves job.
David Ross – Former Chicago Cubs Manager
David Ross (photo courtesy AP News)
David Ross is another name being circulated to take the helm in Atlanta. Ross brings a vast background of experience to the table, having played 15 seasons in the MLB across seven different teams, including a stint with the Braves from 2009 to 2012. He would later serve as manager of the Chicago Cubs from 2020 to 2023. Although his tenure as manager of the Cubs was relatively short, he did achieve some success, capturing the NL Central Division title in 2020. A division title, 15 years of playing experience, and ties to the Braves from his playing days make him a top candidate for the job.
