World Series-Winning Manager Might Retire After Next Season: Report

Brian Snitker’s journey to the manager’s office is a triumph of perseverance.

Snitker was 26 years old when he was hired to manage the minor-league Anderson Braves in 1982. Other than a couple of turns as Atlanta’s bullpen coach in 1985 and 1988-90, Snitker bided his time at the minor league level, never giving up on his dream of one day managing in the big leagues.

Although he was Bobby Cox’s third-base coach from 2007-10, he was passed over for the job as Cox’s successor.

Finally, after five seasons under Fredi Gonzalez without a playoff series victory, Snitker got his chance. He was 60 years old.

More than eight years, two NLCS appearances, and one World Series championship later, Snitker’s contract is due to expire after the 2025 season. According to a new report, next year might be his last.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post speculated in an appearance on Bleacher Report‘s “Walkoff” show that Snitker is leaning toward retirement.

“I do believe there’s a decent chance that he will manage out his contract next year and retire after next year,” Heyman said. “That’s just me talking. I think there’s a chance of it … I do think that he will retire, there’s a good chance that he will retire after next year. Don’t know that for sure. That’s the vibe that I’m getting, not necessarily from him but just all-around baseball. He’s not getting fired, though. They’re not firing Brian Snitker.”

Heyman might have been making an educated guess, but he speaks to enough people in the game that his guesses are more educated than most. Neither was he asked specifically about when Snitker might retire. He broached the topic without prompt.

Heyman notes that Snitker is going to be 70 at the end of next year — an age when most major league managers are well into their retirement. And it could come at a logical time for the Braves and their young core.

Atlanta’s roster is in the unusual position of having its best players under contract for years to come.

Next season could be the last in Atlanta for designated hitter Marcell Ozuna and closer Raisel Iglesias. But Austin Riley, Matt Olson, Ronald Acuña Jr., Spencer Strider, Sean Murphy, Jorge Soler, Michael Harris II, and Ozzie Albies (among others) are locked in for 2026 or beyond. It might make sense for a young manager to take over as the team incorporates younger players to supplement its strong core.

For his part, Snitker has little left to prove on the job. His 2021 World Series ring ended a 26-year-long drought for the franchise. The team is contending for another long playoff run this year and could have another in store. Whenever he retires, Snitker will have more than earned the right.