The Braves manager inquired about his plans for the upcoming campaign.
Published initially on Field Level Media and last updated on October 4, 24
Brian Snitker, manager of the Braves, was asked if he intends to return to Atlanta in 2025, just as he was beginning to process the finality of the 2024 season.
After suffering a wild-card sweep at the hands of the San Diego Padres, Snitker declared he was prepared to head to spring training.
After a 101-win season in 2021, Snitker signed a three-year contract extension that expires after the 2025 season. Afterwards this month, he turns 69.
To guarantee a postseason berth, the Braves needed to win one of their last two regular season games—which happened to be a doubleheader on Monday. Before winning the second game of their Monday double bill against the New York Mets, Atlanta was once again plagued by injuries, which has been a recurring problem this season. Due to a back ailment, All-Star left-hander Chris Sale was forced to withdraw from his planned start and was not included in the wild card lineup.
Following on another 104-win season in 2023, the majority of the Braves’ star players were sidelined at least once. Both ace Spencer Strider (UCL surgery) and reigning National League MVP Ronald Acuna Jr. (ACL) were forced to rehab after season-ending injuries, and it’s uncertain if they’ll be ready for action when Snitker arrives in Florida for spring training.
After suffering a season-ending injury in May, Acuna underwent a second ACL reconstruction.
Strider led MLB in both categories in 2023, going 20-5 with 281 strikeouts. After surgery on April 13, it’s not certain if he will be out for the entirety of 2025.
The Braves won 89 games even without them, and Snitker declared he has never been more proud of a club for overcoming setbacks and injuries.
“Not an excuse,” Snitker remarked. “As I have stated, everyone has hardships before arriving. For everyone of the thirty of us on the team, navigating seven months is difficult.
“It’s the sheer perseverance, motivation, reliability, work ethic, and how these people never complained about anything, no matter what these guys went through. They simply carried on playing. They persisted in their game. They continued their task. The fervor never subsided. Their outlook has never wavered.”
