The Atlanta Braves are heading into an offseason filled with uncertainty, with significant changes expected across the roster—and potentially in the manager’s office as well. Longtime manager Brian Snitker will not be returning, a decision that had been anticipated for some time.
“Brian Snitker will not return as manager of the Atlanta Braves, sources tell ESPN. He informed the team of his decision yesterday. But he will remain with the organization in a senior advisory capacity,” ESPN’s Jeff Passan posted.
General Manager Alex Anthopoulos recently addressed the media following the season’s end. While he has not yet interviewed any candidates for the managerial role, he emphasized the importance of making a decision soon.
“Anthopoulos said shortstop, bullpen and rotation are among the areas they’ll discuss addressing this winter. The hope is still to retain Ha-Seong Kim, but lots of factors there,” AJC’s Gabe Burns wrote.
In addition to the managerial vacancy and other roster questions, backup catcher Sandy León has elected free agency after being outrighted.
“On Monday, David O’Brien of The Athletic reported that León elected free agency after being outrighted off the Braves’ 40-man roster at the end of the season. The 36-year-old’s player transactions page did not yet reflect the move as of Monday afternoon. León went 1-for-12 in his brief cameo with the Braves in the majors, as his five games were spread out over the span of two months,” SI’s Jackson Roberts wrote.
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While León didn’t significantly impact the Braves on the field, he was regarded as a veteran presence in the clubhouse. Having spent most of his time in Triple-A, his time with the organization appears to be over.
Although nothing is official, León could be approaching retirement at 36 years old. Without a clear path to a major league roster spot, a return to the minors may not be appealing. A decision to retire wouldn’t be surprising at this stage in his career.
