There will be a change in the dugout in Atlanta in 2026.
The Braves announced that Brian Snitker will not return as manager for the 2026 MLB season, marking the end of his managing tenure in Atlanta. After more than four decades of service in Atlanta’s organization — including 10 seasons as manager — Snitker, 69, will transition into a senior advisory role, continuing his legacy into a 50th season with the franchise.
Snitker first joined the Braves organization in 1977 as a minor league player for the Kingsport Braves. After his playing career ended in 1980, he transitioned into coaching after Hank Aaron — who was an executive with the Braves at the time — gave Snitker a job.
Over the next couple of decades, Snitker served in multiple positions — ranging from minor league manager to big-league coach — before taking over as Atlanta’s interim manager in 2016 following the dismissal of Fredi Gonzalez.
Snitker was officially named manager later that year and went on to lead the Braves to six consecutive National League East titles from 2018-23, winning a World Series in 2021 — the franchise’s first since 1995.
But this season, the Braves failed to meet expectations, ending the year with a 76–86 record and a fourth-place finish in the NL East — well below their projected 93.5 wins, per FanDuel. It marked Atlanta’s first playoff absence since 2017.
Snitker’s contract expired at the end of the season, and the Braves organization ultimately decided to move forward with new leadership.
Snitker finishes with a managerial record of 811-668, ranking third in franchise history in wins — trailing only Hall of Famers Bobby Cox and Frank Selee.
