In terms of management, the Atlanta Braves are in unknown terrain. They must now make a critical decision: remain in-house, as they have frequently done in the past, or search outside the business for someone with proven performance. In any case, the signs were clear: Brian Snitker was unlikely to 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,” Kerry Miller, of Bleacher Report, tweeted. “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.”
John Gibbons is one prospective contender who is not affiliated with the company but has a direct relationship to General Manager Alex Anthopoulos. Gibbons formerly managed the Toronto Blue Jays, when Anthopoulos served as general manager.
“Before serving as the Mets bench coach the past two seasons, Gibbons was Anthopoulos’ manager in Toronto from 2013 to 2015. “The bond resulted in Gibbons being hired as a special assignment scout for the Braves in 2020,” MLB.com’s Mark Bowman reported.
Gibbons guided the Blue Jays to several ALCS appearances but never reached the World Series. While not a direct organizational hire, the tie to Anthopoulos may have substantial weight.
“Gibbons is the first, and AA is quite familiar with him, having managed the Blue Jays from 2013 to 2015. Gibbons has been the Mets’ bench coach for the past two years and may be interested in another managerial opportunity, according to HTHB’s Steven Teal.
It has been some years since Gibbons last managed, and his present job with the rival Mets adds another intriguing aspect to the equation.
The Braves want to bring in someone who can lead them back to the playoffs. With Atlanta’s core aging, there is no time to spend.