Braves’ Downward Spiral Could Mark End of the Snitker Era
The Atlanta Braves, once seen as a perennial postseason powerhouse, appear to be approaching a turning point that could signify the close of a defining chapter in franchise history. As of Friday, they sit at 27-34 and occupy fourth place in the National League East — far from the dominant form that fans have grown accustomed to over the past several seasons. The team is now in real danger of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2017, a fall from grace that would have been unthinkable just a year ago.
Thursday’s crushing loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks may have been the most glaring signal yet that significant change is on the horizon. Atlanta entered the ninth inning with a commanding six-run lead, only to watch it vanish in stunning fashion. The implosion drew widespread criticism and reignited speculation that manager Brian Snitker may be coaching through his final season at the helm.
Former Braves pitcher and Hall of Famer Tom Glavine, now a broadcaster for the team, didn’t hold back. “If you were looking for rock bottom, this might be it,” he said of the late-game collapse — one of the worst in recent franchise memory.
The unraveling began when Snitker chose to pull starter Grant Holmes early in the game. What followed was a carousel of relievers, a decision-making pattern that’s become a recurring issue this season. While bullpen management is always subject to second-guessing, this particular meltdown felt like a tipping point. It was one more in a series of strategic misfires that has raised serious questions about Snitker’s ability to steer the ship through turbulent waters.
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the writing may already be on the wall. In a recent column, Rosenthal noted that Snitker likely won’t be fired mid-season — a move that would seem out of step with the Braves’ appreciation for his past contributions — but added that this very well could be his final year regardless. “Snitker isn’t blameless,” Rosenthal wrote. “The Braves aren’t going to fire him after all he has achieved, but this sure looks like his last season.”
Snitker, now in his 10th season as Atlanta’s skipper, has been one of the most consistent and respected managers in the game. Under his leadership, the Braves captured multiple division titles and even brought home a World Series championship in 2021. But with a subpar record and dwindling playoff hopes, 2025 could mark just the third losing season of his tenure — and perhaps his last.
Of course, not all of the team’s struggles can be pinned on Snitker. The front office has made questionable roster decisions, and injuries to key players have compounded the team’s woes. But at 70 years old, and with his contract set to expire at the end of the year, it’s increasingly difficult to envision Snitker returning next season.
Should the collapse against Arizona come to symbolize the Braves’ 2025 campaign, it won’t just be Snitker who’s on the way out. The organization may be forced to reckon with broader, structural changes — potentially re-evaluating everything from player development and scouting to long-term strategy and leadership at the top.
Atlanta fans have been spoiled in recent years by winning baseball, but the current direction of the team suggests that a painful reset may be inevitable. Whether or not Snitker chooses to retire — or is quietly allowed to walk away — the team he leaves behind will be at a crossroads, searching for a way to recapture the identity that once made them feared contenders.
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