ESPN Reveals Leading Candidates to Manage the Atlanta Braves
Following Brian Snitker’s departure as manager of the Atlanta Braves on October 1, 2025, speculation surrounding his successor has intensified. Several analysts and major sports networks, including ESPN, have released their lists of potential candidates.
ESPN’s Top Candidates for Atlanta Braves Manager
On October 13, ESPN unveiled its official shortlist of four frontrunners to manage the Braves:
- Mark DeRosa: A former Braves player who led Team USA to a second-place finish in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
- John Gibbons: Known for his significant managerial experience with the Toronto Blue Jays.
- David Ross: Former Braves catcher who managed the Chicago Cubs for four seasons.
- Walt Weiss: Currently the Braves’ bench coach, Weiss previously managed the Colorado Rockies from 2013 to 2016.
Notably, DeRosa and Ross were seen together at a mini reunion during the Georgia vs. Auburn football game, alongside Snitker, Chipper Jones, and Tim Hudson.
Comparative Analysis of Other Lists
ESPN’s Buster Olney previously compiled a list that included many of the same names, excluding Gibbons. Olney had listed Skip Schumaker, who recently became the National League Manager of the Year with the Marlins before being hired by the Texas Rangers.
In addition to ESPN’s recommendations, Sports Illustrated also mentioned Walt Weiss, David Ross, and Mark DeRosa among their candidates. They further highlighted Bob Melvin, a three-time Manager of the Year who was recently dismissed by the San Francisco Giants.
Future Prospects for the Braves
As the Braves move forward, general manager Alex Anthopoulos emphasized that the team has not yet finalized a list of candidates. The organization aims to expedite the decision-making process, ensuring a swift transition into the offseason.
The upcoming managerial selection is crucial for the Braves as they look to rebound from an uncharacteristically disappointing 2025 season. As the situation evolves, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching developments in the coming weeks.
