Braves' Brian Snitker receives cryptic 'hot seat' warning amid slow 2025 start

There are few figures more universally beloved in Atlanta Braves circles than Brian Snitker. 

Snitker, 69, has been in the Braves organization for nearly 50 years. He's been the manager of the major league team since 2016, and he's mostly seen success, capped off by a World Series title in 2021. 

Managers like Snitker often get to go out on their own terms. But the Braves' slow start to the 2025 season has introduced some unexpected variables.

Plus, there's been a noteworthy public dispute this season, in which superstar Ronald Acuña Jr. called out Snitker for a double standard when teammate Jarred Kelenic wasn't benched due to lack of hustle.

On Friday, Bleacher Report's Zachary D. Rymer named Snitker one of six Major League Baseball managers who are currently "on the hot seat," after the Pittsburgh Pirates fired manager Derek Shelton on Thursday acted as a warning for other skippers around the league.

"It's indeed not easy to imagine (Atlanta) doing (Snitker) dirty like that. He's been a mainstay in the organization since he was suiting up for the Kingsport Braves in 1977, and his winning percentage as their manager (.556) is basically identical to that of franchise icon Bobby Cox (.557)," Rymer wrote.

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"This said, he really stepped in it with the Jarred Kelenic-Ronald Acuña Jr. controversy. You also have to wonder about what he's not saying to Austin Riley, Matt Olson, Ozzie Albies and Michael Harris II, whose offensive performances have fallen off over the last two years.Given that he's only signed for this season, the Braves need to at least be thinking about moving on from Snitker...even if they don't actually fire him."

Controversy aside, the Braves have underwhelmed on the field since 2021. They had a World Series-caliber roster in 2022 and 2023 but lost to the Philadelphia Phillies in the first round of the playoffs both times. Then, last year, they suffered injuries galore and barely made the postseason.

One has to figure Snitker will keep the gig as long as the Braves' playoff odds remain realistic this season. But things could get dicey if their 18-19 record takes a sudden southward turn.

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