Browsing: Braves

ATLANTA — Now that the Angels have hired Kurt Suzuki as their next skipper, it would make sense for the Braves to name Tyler Flowers as their new manager.

Now, that Iâ€ve got your attention with an opening paragraph featuring a couple Braves catchers of yesteryear, here is an updated look at who could replace Brian Snitker as Atlantaâ€s skipper:

David Ross and Mark DeRosa were speculated as candidates throughout the summer months. But as October has progressed, there has been no indication that either can be considered a candidate.

When John Gibbons voluntarily removed himself from the Mets†coaching staff, there was reason to think he might be a fit in Atlanta. The 62-year-old coaching veteran was Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos†manager in Toronto from 2012-15. But a source has said Gibbons isnâ€t a candidate to become the Braves†next manager.

As for Dodgers bench coach Danny Lehmann, his candidacy has seemingly strengthened over the past couple weeks. Lehmann was Los Angeles†advance video scout when Anthopoulos was with the Dodgers from 2016-17. The two have remained in contact over the years that have followed.

With the Dodgers set to begin their World Series battle against the Blue Jays on Friday, Lehmannâ€s candidacy could lead to the Braves waiting into November before announcing their next manager.

Other potential candidates could include Cubs bench coach Ryan Flaherty and Tigers bench coach George Lombard.

Snitkerâ€s bench coach, Walt Weiss, and longtime Braves coach Eddie Perez were seemingly the top internal candidates. But their potential candidacies seemed to die when the Braves didnâ€t persuade Snitker to manage at least one more year.

Kim watch
Many conversations regarding shortstop Ha-Seong Kimâ€s future include this question: Do you really think heâ€ll decline a $16 million player option coming off an injury-marred season? In this instance, thereâ€s seemingly reason to do so.

Letâ€s throw out the .611 OPS Kim produced over 24 games during his stint with the Rays this year. He was a plus defender while hitting .253 with a .684 OPS while remaining healthy over 24 September games for the Braves.

In some years, it might be best for a player in this situation to bet on himself by exercising the option. A productive season could set up even better multiyear deals the following winter.

But this winterâ€s shortstop market is barren, and Kim has a track record. Bo Bichetteâ€s defense will affect his free agent market, and Trevor Story seems likely to remain with the Red Sox.

Some might argue the top target among free agent shortstops is the 30-year-old Kim, who had a 5.0 bWAR in 2022 and a 5.4 bWAR in 2023. He regressed slightly as he produced a 2.6 WAR in 2024.

Kim gained his two-year, $29 million deal with the Rays with the knowledge he would begin the 2025 season on the injured list while recovering from right shoulder (labrum) surgery.

So, with the Braves and Yankees among the teams expected to shop for a shortstop, Kimâ€s agent Scott Boras would seemingly have reason to believe he can get his client an average annual value of at least $16 million with a multiyear deal on the free agent market.

Kim has until five days after the World Series to decide on his option. The Braves have sole negotiating power for about two more weeks.

AFL update
In Saturdayâ€s newsletter, you might have seen the blurb about Luke Sinnard (ranked by MLB Pipeline as the Braves†No. 16 prospect). The 6-foot-8 right-hander, who could fast-track his way to Atlanta next year, has recorded six strikeouts and walked none while allowing just one run over his first five innings in the Arizona Fall League.

Control hasnâ€t been an issue. The 23-year-old posted a 2.86 ERA this year between Single-A Augusta and High-A Rome. He had a 28.3% strikeout rate and an 8.9% walk rate over 16 combined starts (72 1/3 innings). More impressive, he finished his first professional season strong, notching 22 strikeouts and allowing just four earned runs over his final three starts (16 innings).

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ATLANTA — Though there was a year-long expectation this would be Brian Snitkerâ€s final season as the Braves’ manager, there is still some uncertainty about who will be his successor.

Bobby Cox (1990-2010) and two of his disciples, Fredi Gonzalez (2011-16) and Snitker (2016-2025) account for the only three managers the Braves have had since midway through the 1990 season. Atlanta won 21 division titles, captured six National League pennants and won two World Series trophies during this 35-year span.

Will the Cox lineage continue with this next managerial hire?

David Ross, Mark DeRosa, Walt Weiss and Eddie Perez are among Coxâ€s former Braves players who have interest in the vacancy. But thereâ€s a chance Atlanta president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos will choose a manager without any previous ties to the organization.

“You just canâ€t rush it or force it,†Anthopoulos said. “Itâ€s a big decision. Itâ€s a big hire. Youâ€d love to do it sooner rather than later. But every team going through this would tell you the same thing.â€

Though many fans have been devising their own wish lists over the past few months, Anthopoulos said as of Saturday morning, he hadnâ€t created his own list of candidates. He also said if the process works as he hopes, the candidates†names wonâ€t leak before a hire is made.

Anthopoulos has started to do his due process with background checks. Here are the names of some guys who could end up interviewing for the Braves job.

Ross: Before he became a clubhouse favorite at Fenway and Wrigley, the former catcher was a beloved Brave from 2009-12. He didnâ€t have any managerial experience before leading the Cubs to a winning record in two of his four seasons as the skipper on the North Side.

If the Braves are keeping hitting coach Tim Hyers, Ross and Hyers developed a good friendship when the former was a catcher and the latter was a Minor League coach in Bostonâ€s organization more than a decade ago.

DeRosa: This MLB Network star has come a long way since being the quiet young guy who drew the favor of Chipper Jones, B.J. Surhoff and many other veteran Braves around the start of this century. His lone managerial experience came as Team USA’s skipper in the World Baseball Classic, but heâ€s a great communicator who could benefit from an experienced bench coach like…

John Gibbons: Before serving as the Mets bench coach the past two seasons, Gibbons was Anthopoulos†manager in Toronto from 2013-15. The bond led to Gibbons being hired as a special assignment scout for the Braves in 2020.

The 63-year-old Gibbons†familiarity with Anthopoulos makes him an iteresting candidate to be the Braves†next manager or bench coach, especially if Anthopoulos tabs a skipper with limited managerial experience.

Walt Weiss: Speaking of bench coaches, Weiss was considered by some to be the manager-in-waiting as he spent the past eight seasons as Snitkerâ€s bench coach. Weiss previously served as the Rockies†manager from 2013-16.

Given there was never any attempt by the Braves to push Snitker toward managing another season, thereâ€s reason to question if Anthopoulos will choose to go in a new direction with his managerial hire and most coaching staff positions.

Perez: The 1999 NLCS MVP was a hot managerial candidate a little more than a decade ago. Even if the Braves go a different direction with the manager and staff, there should seemingly be a coaching spot for Perez. The Braves dismissed catching coach Sal Fasano after last season. That opened the door for Perez to have a significant impact on the defensive strides top NL Rookie of the Year candidate Drake Baldwin made this year.

Ryan Flaherty: Flahertyâ€s star has risen since he spent much of the 2018 season serving as Nick Markakis†carpool partner in Atlanta. The Cubs†bench coach seems to be on the path toward a successful career as a big league manager.

George Lombard: Itâ€s been a long time since John Schuerholz took pride in luring Lombard away from his commitment to play running back at the University of Georgia. Lombard currently serves as the Tigers†bench coach. Like Flaherty, the Atlanta native is a highly-respected communicator who seems to have what it takes to be a successful big league skipper.

Danny Lehmann: Anthopoulos was in the Dodgers’ front office when he crossed paths with LAâ€s current bench coach. Lehmann was serving as the teamâ€s advanced video scout at the time. His significant rise led him to his current role in 2023.

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ATLANTA — Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos said Saturday that he hopes to move quickly as he begins his search for a successor to Brian Snitker as manager but that he has not conducted any interviews.

Snitker, 69, announced Wednesday that he won’t return after 10 seasons as the Braves’ manager.

Even though Snitker’s decision wasn’t a surprise, Anthopoulos insisted he wasn’t going to begin compiling a list of candidates before giving the manager time to finalize his plans.

Asked what the Braves would have done if Snitker wanted to return for the 2026 season, Anthopoulos said: “He would have been back. That’s why we were going to wait and give him the time he needed.”

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Former Braves catcher and Chicago Cubs skipper David Ross told The Associated Press on Thursday that he wants to manage again. Ross said an opportunity to manage the Braves “would be amazing.”

Anthopoulos insisted “we do not currently have a list” and said “I wanted to get some things done internally” before beginning his search.

“I will now turn my attention to the manager,” Anthopoulos said. “… We have not spoken with anybody.”

Snitker led the Braves to the 2021 World Series championship as the highlight of almost a half-century with the organization. He will remain in an advisory role and will be inducted into the team’s hall of fame next season.

Anthopoulos said he and Snitker have an agreement on a five-year term as senior adviser but added that could change.

Two coaches on Snitker’s staff have experience as a manager. Bench coach Walt Weiss is the Colorado Rockies’ former manager. Third base coach Fredi González is a former manager with the Braves and Miami Marlins.

There has been speculation that other possible candidates are former Braves infielder Mark DeRosa and Cubs bench coach Ryan Flaherty. Former Marlins manager Skip Schumaker was named the Texas Rangers’ skipper Friday night.

“Before Skip Schumaker was named, there were eight openings,” Anthopoulos said. “That’s a lot of openings. … That makes it incredibly challenging.”

Anthopoulos said his timeline to make a hire could be impacted if he focuses on a candidate who is also of interest to another team.

“Of course as soon as possible with so many openings,” Anthopoulos said when asked how soon he hopes to make a hire. “You can’t just rush it or force it. … You’d love to be able to do it sooner than later.”

Snitker posted a record of 811-688 as manager. He ranks third in franchise history in wins, trailing Bobby Cox (2,149) and Frank Selee (1,004). He led the Braves to seven postseasons, including six National League East titles.

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ATLANTA — Atlanta Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos said Saturday he hopes to move quickly as he begins his search for a successor to Brian Snitker as manager but that he has not conducted any interviews.

Snitker, 69, announced Wednesday he wonâ€t return after 10 seasons as the Braves†manager.

Even though Snitkerâ€s decision wasnâ€t a surprise, Anthopoulos insisted he wasnâ€t going to begin compiling a list of candidates before giving the manager time to finalize his plans.

When asked what the Braves would have done if Snitker wanted to return for the 2026 season, Anthopoulos said: “He would have been back. Thatâ€s why we were going to wait and give him the time he needed.â€

Former Braves catcher and Chicago Cubs skipper David Ross told The Associated Press on Thursday he wants to manage again. Ross said an opportunity to manage the Braves “would be amazing.â€

Anthopoulos insisted “we do not currently have a list†and said “I wanted to get some things done internally†before beginning his search.

“I will now turn my attention to the manager,†Anthopoulos said. “… We have not spoken with anybody.â€

Snitker led the Braves to the 2021 World Series championship as the highlight of almost a half-century with the organization. He will remain in an advisory role and will be inducted into the teamâ€s hall of fame next season.

Anthopoulos said he and Snitker have an agreement on a five-year term as senior adviser but added that could change.

Two coaches on Snitkerâ€s staff have experience as a manager. Bench coach Walt Weiss is Coloradoâ€s former manager. Third base coach Fredi González is a former manager with Atlanta and the Marlins.

There has been speculation that other possible candidates are former Braves infielder Mark DeRosa and Cubs bench coach Ryan Flaherty. Former Marlins manager Skip Schumaker was named the Texas Rangers†skipper on Friday night.

“Before Skip Schumaker was named, there were eight openings,†Anthopoulos said. “Thatâ€s a lot of openings. … That makes it incredibly challenging.â€

Anthopoulos said his timeline to make a hire could be impacted if he focuses on a candidate who is also of interest to another team.

“Of course as soon as possible with so many openings,†Anthopoulos said when asked how soon he hopes to make a hire. “You canâ€t just rush it or force it. … Youâ€d love to be able to do it sooner than later.â€

Snitker posted a record of 811-688 as manager. He ranks third in franchise history in wins, trailing Bobby Cox (2,149) and Frank Selee (1,004). He led the Braves to seven postseasons, including six NL East titles.

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Sep 28, 2025, 07:06 PM ET

ATLANTA — Braves right-hander Charlie Morton received a standing ovation after pitching 1â…“ scoreless innings in what was potentially his final MLB appearance during Sunday’s 4-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates in the season finale.

The 41-year-old Morton, who debuted with the Braves in 2008, was signed by the team Sept. 22 after being designated for assignment and released by the Detroit Tigers on Sept. 21.

The Braves announced Thursday that Morton would be the starter for Sunday’s finale. After allowing no runs on two hits over an inning-plus, Morton was pulled by Braves manager Brian Snitker, and finished his outing by striking out Alexander Canario.

Morton received cheers as he took the field, when he walked off the field after the first inning and had a minute-plus ovation when he was pulled in the second inning. As Morton warmed up ahead of the second inning, the Braves played highlights on the videoboard of him pitching on a broken leg in Game 1 of the 2021 World Series, which Atlanta won.

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When Snitker came onto the field to pull Morton, Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” played on the loudspeakers. As he exited the game, Morton hugged his teammates on the mound, his family in front of Atlanta’s dugout and teammates and coaches up and down the dugout. Morton received a curtain call.

It was Morton’s third career stint with the Braves. He was drafted by Atlanta in the third round (95th overall) in 2002. Morton made his MLB debut with Atlanta in 2008 and from 2009 to 2020 pitched for the Pirates, Phillies, Astros and Rays before returning to Atlanta for the 2021-24 seasons.

Chris Sale (7-5) took over in relief, and allowed one run on four hits with nine strikeouts and five walks across 5â…” innings. Raisel Iglesias earned his 22nd save of the season.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Sep 28, 2025, 02:24 PM ET

ATLANTA — Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker is unsure about his future with the Braves.

The 69-year-old Snitker, whose contract expires after this year, has been subjected to questions about whether he will retire following the season, his ninth as Atlanta’s manager and 49th with the organization.

The Braves are out of playoff contention for the first time since 2017. Snitker, who has been with the Braves organization in some capacity as a player, coach and manager since 1977, has been undecided about his retirement since he was asked about it for the first time this season on Sept. 10, when he said he was not “100% sure which direction I want to go.”

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Snitker still did not have his mind made up as of Sunday’s season finale against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

“I’ve teetered on the fence (about retirement),” Snitker said. “I’ve never been through this before. I wasn’t sure how to navigate it. I’ve talked to a lot of people who have been through it who got some good advice. I’ve just tried to stay in the moment and focus on today … As we’re sitting here right now, I still feel good.”

Snitker said the club has not reached out to him about the future.

“It’s not their fault,” Snitker said. “I haven’t approached them. We’re (going to) talk this week (after the season). That’s kind of where I wanted it to go. That’s on me.”

Braves general manager and president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos said on Sept. 8 that Snitker will be a “Brave for life” but did not go into detail about the manager’s immediate future.

“(Snitker) will be part of this organization no matter what well past when I’m here,” Anthopoulos said. “He’s a Brave for life. (Coaching staff roles) are things we always address at the end of the year.”

Snitker, the 2021 World Series-winning manager, was encouraged by Atlanta’s play in the final month-plus of the season, which included a 10-game winning streak from Sept. 14 to Sept. 23.

“I think it’s been really encouraging,” Snitker said. “You just like to see what these guys do (as a whole). It’s been good how (those) guys have kept fighting.”

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Sep 26, 2025, 03:54 PM ET

The Atlanta Braves on Friday claimed right-hander Alek Manoah, the former Cy Young contender whose struggles with the Toronto Blue Jays led to him being designated for assignment earlier this week.

After going 9-2 as a rookie in 2021, Manoah went 16-7 with a 2.24 ERA in 2022, finishing third in AL Cy Young voting.

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Toronto’s opening day starter in 2023, Manoah was demoted to the rookie-level Florida Complex League that June after going 1-7 with a 6.36 ERA. Manoah went 2-2 with a 4.91 ERA in seven starts after rejoining the big league roster that July, and then didn’t pitch again at any level after being optioned to Triple-A in August.

Last year, Manoah went 1-2 with a 3.70 ERA over five starts spanning 24â…“ innings before season-ending surgery on his elbow.

Manoah most recently had been pitching at Triple-A Buffalo while rehabbing his elbow. He went 1-1 with a 2.97 ERA in seven starts for the Bisons. Six of the 27 hits he allowed were home runs.

To make room on its 40-man roster, Atlanta transferred infielder Ozzie Albies to the 60-day injured list. Albies was diagnosed with a fractured hamate bone in his left hand earlier this week.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

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Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies left Mondayâ€s 11-5 win over the Washington Nationals after he fractured a bone in his left hand.

Albies fouled off a pitch from Konnor Pilkington in the third inning at Truist Park. He remained in for the next pitch, but didnâ€t take a cut, and then waved his teamâ€s training staff over while shaking his left hand in clear discomfort.

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After a few moments, the Braves pulled him from the game. Nick Allen came in to finish the at-bat, and then he replaced him at second base in the next inning.

The Braves quickly announced that he fractured the hamate bone in his left hand. Considering the Braves have already been eliminated from the postseason and have just five games left, Albies†season is now likely over.

Albies entered Mondayâ€s game with a .240 batting average, 16 home runs and 74 RBI this season. The 28-year-old fractured his left wrist last summer, too, but heâ€s been available for the Braves this entire season without issue.

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Despite losing Albies, the Braves had no issue rolling to the six-run win. They put up five runs in the third inning alone, thanks in part to RBI singles from Michael Harris, Marcell Ozuna and Drake Baldwin, and then they added three more in the sixth inning to pad their lead. It marked the teamâ€s ninth straight win, which moved them to 74-87 on the season. The Braves, however, will miss the playoffs for the first time since the 2017 campaign.

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Sep 22, 2025, 09:22 PM ET

ATLANTA — Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies left Monday’s game against the Washington Nationals due to a fractured hamate bone in his left hand.

Albies showed discomfort in his wrist after fouling off a pitch in the third inning while batting against Washington right-hander Konnor Pilkington. He stayed in the game for one more pitch before walking toward the dugout and being attended to by Atlanta’s training staff. Nick Allen finished Albies’ at-bat and replaced him at second base at the start of the fourth inning.

“He felt something in there that was an impingement,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said after Atlanta’s 11-5 victory that extended the team’s winning streak to a season-best nine games. “(Head athletic trainer) George (Poulos) said ‘That’s kind of your hamate area.’ It was (on the swing) that he felt it and then (Poulos) said ‘Try and dry swing before you go back up there’ and (Albies) said ‘I need to shut it down.'”

The hamate bone is on the palm side of the hand near the pinky and ring fingers. Albies fractured his left wrist in July 2024 and missed two months.

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The 28-year-old Albies has played in all 157 of Atlanta’s games this season. He is batting .240 with 16 home runs and 74 RBIs.

“I hate it for him,” Snitker said. “(Tuesday) will be the first game he’s missed all year. He played a majority (of the season). (He) rallied back and had a really nice year. It’s just one of (those) tough things. It’s not an uncommon injury for hitters.

“This is a different (injury),” Snitker said referring to Albies’ 2024 wrist break. “I’ve seen guys come back from this in a month from those things. Once the calendar turns, he’ll be able to get into his offseason routine and hitting and he’ll be ready to go by spring training.”

Snitker implied that Albies will undergo surgery, although the Braves said Albies is undergoing further testing.

“(Surgery) is usually what they do when they break (the hamate) is (remove) them,” Snitker said. “It’s one of those things there that he won’t (injure) again.”

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Morton signed a Major League deal with the Braves on Monday, one day after being released by the Tigers. Exactly when and how he will be used during this final week of the regular season will be determined after he arrives in Atlanta on Tuesday and has a conversation with Braves manager Brian Snitker.

“We just got him back, so I donâ€t know what the plan will be,†Snitker said. “I talked to him on Saturday afternoon before batting practice and this wasnâ€t even on the radar.â€

Snitkerâ€s love for Morton was witnessed yet again when he gave the pitcher a big hug a couple of hours before the Braves and Tigers played Saturday afternoon at Comerica Park. A little more than 12 hours earlier, the Braves had tagged Morton for six earned runs over 1 1/3 innings in a 10-1 win over Detroit.

Instead of that ugly outing serving as the finale of an 18-season career that began with the 2008 Braves, Morton can now construct a more pleasurable end. Thereâ€s a chance he could be used in relief, or just pitch an inning or two as a starter.

Morton could truly feel sentimental if the Braves choose to use him during this weekendâ€s three-game series against the Pirates. He spent seven seasons with Pittsburgh after being included in the trade that brought Nate McLouth to Atlanta in 2009.

Snitker said he didnâ€t hear anything about the possibility of reuniting with Morton until Monday morning.

Morton posted a 5.89 ERA over 32 combined appearances (26 starts) for the Orioles and Tigers this year. He was far from the consistent contributor he had been while producing a 3.87 ERA over 124 starts for Atlanta from 2021-24.

When Morton spent those past few years with Atlanta, he spoke glowingly of the organization. He was taken in the third round of the 2002 MLB Draft. It didnâ€t look like he would have a long career when the Braves kept him at the Class-A level for two years and later moved him to a relief role with the 2007 Mississippi Braves. But he made his MLB debut in 2008 and continued to benefit from a resilient spirit.

Morton, McCann and Francoeur all experienced Spring Training for the first time in 2003, at the Braves†former complex in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Morton didnâ€t even start tasting consistent success until after Francoeur ended his 12-year big league career in 2016.

Atlanta fans will forever remember Morton for recording three outs after his right leg was fractured by a line drive in the second inning of Game 1 of the 2021 World Series.

Now, they will have one last chance to show their appreciation.

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