Here’s how hot each MLB manager’s seat will get in 2018
By Brad Weiss
Brian Snitker, Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves struggled mightily under Brian Snitker last season, which was his first full season as the team’s manager. Snitker took over for the fired Fredi Gonzalez during the 2016 campaign, and actually led the team well down the stretch.
As they head into 2018, he is one of those coaches who could be the first fired if his team gets off to a bad start. However, he is very valuable to this Braves organization, and if they have to go another route, he will likely end up in the front office.
Snitker earned his stripes in the minors, where he was the manager of a ton of Braves affiliates. He is a very well-respected baseball guy, and he will be given every opportunity to turn this thing around this season.
Atlanta has some of the best prospects in baseball, though they will likely break camp in the minor leagues. If the Braves are to be successful, those players need to live up to their top billings, but it may be too late to save Snitker’s job.
The Braves have ex-managers in Walt Weiss and Ron Washington on their staff, and either could step in if Snitker is fired. After a 90-loss season in 2017, there is not a lot of room for error, so keep an eye on Atlanta early in the year.