One way or another, Brian Snitker’s time as manager of the Atlanta Braves is coming to an end soon. Whether you think the team will move on from him, that Snitker will retire at the end of the 2025 season, or that Snit will come back for another year, time is running out. At some point, there needs to be a discussion of who should (and should not) replace him in the manager’s chair.

In the case of Atlanta, there isn’t a clear cut successor that is in place. However, there are a few names that have some connections to the Braves that might be fits as well as a couple that we all should really, really hope that the Braves avoid when the time comes.

Here are some managerial candidates to replace Brian Snitker to pull for (and a couple you should hope the Braves avoid)

Walt Weiss would be a pretty safe and a steady hand

Longtime Braves bench coach Walt Weiss is a pretty easy choice as a possible replacement. The players and front office know him well, he has previous managing experience with the Rockies, and there wouldn’t be much of an adjustment period as he knows how the organization works.

For those hoping for a change of pace, Weiss might not be the ideal choice. However, the team may feel like going with a safe pick is the wisest course of action and Weiss just might be that guy.

John Gibbons would be a step backward for the Braves

Alex Anthopoulos knows John Gibbons from their days with the Blue Jays and there are whispers around that Gibbons wants back into the managing game. Gibbons does have experience which is a plus and he certainly would do as he is told by the front office just to get back into the seat. Plus, it would be a theft from the Mets’ coaching staff and that is delightful.

However, Gibbons is a pretty uninspiring choice. His time with the Blue Jays and Red Sox was pretty mediocre and it seemed like he was constantly in the hot seat every year. Atlanta is trying to contend for championships every year and Gibbons just doesn’t have the track record for it.

David Ross is widely respected and has connections to the Braves

David Ross checks a lot of boxes. He is an extremely respected former player, seemed beloved by his players when he was manager before getting unceremoniously dumped by the Cubs, and it seems like he would be a blend of old school as well as a guy that would use analytics.

On top of that, he doesn’t have a coaching job currently and played for the organization for four seasons. Ross does have three kids and he may not be itching to get back on the road again as a result, but the Braves should at least give him a call.

Please, don’t hire Fredi Gonzalez to manage the Braves

There is no need to rehash this one as we already covered Fredi Gonzalez’s return and what it could mean for the Braves in the future.

In short, Gonzalez was not good as a manager of the Braves the first time and has struggled to stick in one place as a coach ever since before Atlanta decided to scoop him up. If you want to blunt any momentum this franchise has, hire Fredi. Otherwise, stay far, far away.

Ron Washington could be a great choice, but isn’t a sure thing

it is very clear that the Braves’ clubhouse misses Ron Washington greatly as a mentor and coach. He is a unicorn of a leader and one that players adored and respected his voice when he needed to correct them. It is also true that Washington is currently managing the Angels who are not a particularly good baseball team and a very poorly run one from ownership to the front office.

It does seem like a really good fit to just bring Washington back. However, one should at least be a little concerned about Wash’s old school tendencies and relative lack of progress from LA under him. It is possible that he is a better coach than manager and the fact that he is also 73 years old could be a potential hang-up.