Braves to cement manager Brian Snitker’s legacy with major sendoff after skipping farewell tour

The Atlanta Braves are entering the offseason after a very forgettable year—one that fans and the organization alike will want to file away quickly. Yet throughout the season, the central question looming over the team was whether manager Brian Snitker would return.

“Because of that consistent recent success, Snit would normally be afforded a ‘mulligan’ year—even though going from the second-best preseason World Series odds to possibly the third-best odds of winning the draft lottery is a pretty serious mulligan,” Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller wrote. “At 69, though, he’s already the oldest manager in the National League by a several-year margin and was likely to retire at the end of this season, which is the last one in his current contract.”

On Tuesday, that question was finally answered. It was announced that Snitker would step down as manager and transition into a new role within the organization.

“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 reported.

While Snitker’s departure wasn’t entirely unexpected, some players felt his exit came without the proper recognition. Braves ace Chris Sale expressed his disappointment that Snitker didn’t receive a celebratory send-off.

“Absolutely (want him back). We didn’t have a celebratory sendoff for him, so he can’t go,” Sale said on Sunday.

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Part of the reason for that lack of farewell was Snitker’s own uncertainty about his future. However, the Braves organization is now making it right.

“Terry McGuirk says that the club is giving Brian Snitker a new Ford truck, an all-expenses-paid trip to Hawaii, and induction in the Braves Hall of Fame in 2026,” 680 The Fan reported.

It’s a classy gesture—and perhaps an even better ending than a traditional farewell tour. The recognition cements Snitker’s legacy and honors the incredible job he did leading the team over the past several seasons.

Atlanta clearly knows how to honor one of its own. While Snitker’s time as manager has come to an end, his influence and legacy will continue to shape the Braves organization for years to come.