On Wednesday morning, the rumors became a reality when it was reported that the Atlanta Braves would be moving on from long-time manager Brian Snitker. His departure ends a memorable 10-year run that includes 811 wins — third best in team history — seven trips to the playoffs, and a World Series win in 2021.
Snitker’s exit leaves some big shoes to fill in the dugout. However, with the Braves being one of the best-run organizations in the game, they will have many interesting suitors for their managerial opening. Let’s look at seven potential targets, including a trio of Atlanta veterans.
Mark DeRosa
Don’t sleep on MLB Network analyst and homegrown Braves product Mark DeRosa. He has a very positive reputation throughout the game for his work on TV and during 16 seasons in the league. His only coaching experience was leading Team USA during the last World Baseball Classic — a job he will have again in 2026. But we are in an era of sports where experience matters less and being able to connect with current players holds a higher value. DeRosa is a name to watch in Atlanta’s manager search after playing his first seven MLB seasons for the organization.
Skip Schumaker
Former Miami Marlins manager Skip Schumaker remains the best manager candidate on the open market. The 2023 NL manager of the year departed Miami after his second season and is waiting for the right opening. The Braves’ opening would seem like a perfect fit. After going with a much older coach in Snitker, the club could look for a manager who can hold down the job for the next 20 years. Schumaker’s early resume shows that he can thrive with the strong backing of the Braves’ infrastructure.
Bruce Bochy
Atlanta has a solid team, and they might feel they are just a few key additions away from being back in the World Series hunt next year. If they feel they can be a contender, now-former Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy could be an option. At 70 years old, he won’t be around long, but the organization could feel the four-time World Series winner would be a key piece for another championship run the next couple of seasons.
Rickie Weeks Jr.
The Milwaukee Brewers staff certainly has the attention of MLB coach evaluators, and 14-year MLB veteran Rickie Weeks Jr. is becoming one of the fastest-rising assistants in the game. Last year, he was named associate manager, and the Brewers have overachieved the last two years, including having the best record in the league in 2025. Like Schumaker, Weeks Jr. is a man just entering his coaching prime and brings a youthful culture change after 10 years with Snitker.
Chipper Jones
After Hank Aaron, Chipper Jones is the best and most beloved player in Atlanta Braves history. While he has no long-term coaching experience, he has worked for the organization as a part-time hitting coach and advisor. Although he suggested earlier this year that he may not be ready to be a full-time coach/manager in the league, the idea of Larry Jones managing the only team he ever played for during a legendary career is fascinating. At the very least, the front office should at least gauge his interest.
Don Mattingly
Although he had an underwhelming run as a manager in Miami, New York Yankees legend Don Mattingly did win over 90 games three times as skipper of the Los Angeles Dodgers. He has a wealth of experience on and off the field and has gotten strong reviews for his work as the bench coach of the AL East Champion Toronto Blue Jays. He should be a candidate for the Braves managerial opening.
David Ross
David Ross’ four-year stint with the Chicago Cubs wasn’t what he or the team hoped for. However, before getting replaced by Craig Counsell last year, there were signs of a turnaround and that the team was improving under his watch. MLB has a long history of recycling fired coaches, and if any available skipper deserves a second opportunity, it is Ross. Having a four-year run in ATL where he was a borderline All-Star adds to why he could be a potential candidate for the job.
