Brian Snitker won’t return as Braves manager, sources say

Brian Snitker, who guided the Braves to the 2021 World Series championship, will not return as manager after Atlanta failed to make the postseason for the first time since 2017, sources told ESPN’s Jeff Passan.

Snitker informed the Braves of his decision Tuesday, sources told Passan. He will remain with the organization in a senior advisory capacity, according to sources.

Snitker, whose contract expired after his ninth season as manager, has been with the Braves organization in some capacity as a player, coach and manager since 1977.

“I’ve teetered on the fence (about retirement),” Snitker said after the Braves’ final game on Sept. 28. “I’ve never been through this before. I wasn’t sure how to navigate it. I’ve talked to a lot of people who have been through it who got some good advice. I’ve just tried to stay in the moment and focus on today … As we’re sitting here right now, I still feel good.”

The Braves went 76-86 this season, finishing fourth in the National League East.

Braves general manager and president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos said on Sept. 8 that Snitker, 69, will be a “Brave for life” but did not go into detail about the manager’s future.

Snitker said he was encouraged by Atlanta’s play in the final month-plus of the season, which included a 10-game winning streak from Sept. 14 to Sept. 23.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.