Snitker Steps Down as Manager of Atlanta Braves, Will Stay on As Advisor
Snitker spent nearly 50 years in the Braves organization, winning a World Series in 2021. He will be inducted into the Braves Hall of Fame next season.
Brian Snitker will not return as manager of the Atlanta Braves, and will move into an advisory role with the team.
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty ImagesNew leadership is coming to the dugout in Atlanta, as the Braves announced Wednesday that Brian Snitker will not return as manager in 2026, ending a decade-long run at the helm.
The 69-year-old will stay with the organization, but will move into an advisory role. He is also set to be inducted into the Braves Hall of Fame next year.
Snitker, who has spent nearly 50 years with the organization, first took over managerial duties midway through the 2016 season. What began as an interim assignment became permanent after players, including Freddie Freeman and Nick Markakis, voiced their support. His leadership soon delivered results, highlighted by six straight National League East titles starting in 2018 and seven consecutive postseason appearances through 2024.
The high point of Snitker’s tenure came in 2021, when he joined Bobby Cox as just the second manager in franchise history to guide the Braves to a World Series championship.
The 2025 season proved more challenging. Injuries derailed the starting rotation, with every Opening Day pitcher spending time on the 60-day injured list. Despite considering a return, Snitker ultimately decided it was time to step away from managing.
His ties to the Braves stretch back to 1977, when he signed as a catcher. Three years later, then-farm director Hank Aaron encouraged him to begin a coaching career, sparking a lifelong role with the club.
Snitker’s transition marks both the end of a managerial chapter and the continuation of a career that has defined Braves baseball for nearly half a century.
