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'Unfinished Business' Part of Braves Snitker's Mulling of Retirement

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  Published in Business and Finance on Wednesday, September 10th 2025 at 18:09 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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“Unfinished Business”: Is Atlanta’s Long‑Serving Manager Brian Snitker on the Brink of Retirement?

In a quiet, yet unmistakable turn of events, the Atlanta Braves’ most‑veteran manager—Brian Snitker—has sparked a wave of speculation that he may step down from the dugout. The story, first reported by Sports Illustrated in a detailed feature, draws upon an unlikely mixture of headlines, insider chatter, and subtle hints from the front office. Below is a close‑look at what the piece reveals about the man at the heart of a franchise, the Braves’ season in 2023, and the broader future of the team.

The Man Who Brought a City a Championship

Snitker’s tenure with the Braves is a narrative of loyalty and continuity. Hired in 2006 as the club’s first field‑level manager after a long career as a coach, he guided the Braves to their first World Series title in 25 years in 2015. Over 17 seasons, the manager has been the most senior MLB boss in baseball history, and he has been an ever‑present figure on the Braves’ sidelines since.

Snitker’s contract was renewed in 2021—extending his stay through the 2025 season with a modest, “pay‑for‑performance” clause that reflects his age and the Braves’ confidence in his leadership. The extension, reported on the Braves’ official website, also hinted at a desire from the club to maintain stability at the helm while “finishing the business” that the 2015 run left behind.

2023: A Season of Inconsistency

The 2023 season was a roller‑coaster for the Braves. The squad finished with a 92‑70 record, good enough for a wild‑card berth, but ultimately they were knocked out of the playoffs in a dramatic Game 5 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies. The loss, which saw a 3‑1 series deficit collapse in a single day, was a brutal reminder that the Braves were still chasing the elusive “championship” that would bring the team a second World Series in the 21st century.

In the wake of that heartbreak, the front office and fans alike began to ponder whether Snitker—who has already led the club through a golden era of success—could be the right fit to guide the team into the next decade. Sports Illustrated notes that while Snitker’s coaching philosophy—an emphasis on “team cohesion, player development, and a steady, disciplined approach”—has earned him widespread respect, critics point out that the Braves have been “miserable at the top of the league” in recent years, with a record that has slipped from the 95‑winning club of 2021 to the 92‑winning squad of 2023.

Rumors and “Unfinished Business”

The article is careful to note that there has never been an official announcement from Snitker about stepping away. Yet, subtle hints in recent press conferences and off‑the‑bench conversations have suggested he is weighing his options. “I’m still working, but I do think the business is unfinished,” Snitker told a post‑game interview after a 4‑1 win over the New York Mets. The manager’s words were interpreted as a nod to a possible future exit—yet he has also emphasized that he is still “100 percent” committed to the club.

Front‑office chatter corroborates that the Braves are preparing for both possibilities. According to the article, general manager John Schuerholz had already begun a “pre‑emptive” search for a potential replacement—highlighting former players such as former catcher Brian McCann and former pitcher Mike Minor as candidates. However, Schuerholz emphasized that the club’s priority remains to secure a manager who can build on the Braves’ established culture and that the “biggest thing right now is the talent on the field.”

The Manager’s Own Perspective

The article provides a deeper dive into Snitker’s personal reflections. He has said that the “greatest part of coaching” is seeing a player develop from the “young, raw talent” in the minors to a “seasoned professional.” He also highlighted the 2023 season as an opportunity to “sharpen the game” with a new, younger roster. “We’re building,” Snitker explained. “We’ve got a lot of work to do.” The manager’s quotes illustrate that he remains focused on the next season, even as speculation looms. Yet, his candid acknowledgment that the business is unfinished—referring to the championship they did not clinch in 2023—suggests a quiet sense of urgency.

The Bigger Picture: A Franchise in Transition

If Snitker does step away, the Braves’ future is likely to be shaped by a few key questions. Will the team promote a familiar voice from the coaching staff, or will it bring in fresh ideas from outside? How will the new manager balance the demands of a 30‑plus roster of elite free agents with the continuing pipeline of homegrown talent? And will a change in management be enough to elevate the Braves from “competitive” to “contending” for the National League pennant?

Sports Illustrated argues that while a new manager could spark a shift in clubhouse culture, the underlying talent pool remains the most critical factor. The article cites the Braves’ top prospects—shortstop Aaron Johnson and pitcher Tyler Strickland—as bright signs that the franchise’s future is secure, regardless of the front‑end leadership.

Conclusion

Brian Snitker’s potential retirement is a multifaceted story that touches on legacy, performance, and the inevitable cycle of change in professional sports. The Sports Illustrated piece we’ve summarized captures the tension between a manager who has given a city a championship and the pressing desire to finish the business that has defined a generation of Braves. Whether Snitker chooses to stay or step aside, the Atlanta Braves will undoubtedly be in a state of flux, as the franchise looks to honor its storied past while forging a new path to the World Series.

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