The Atlanta Braves announced a two-year contract extension for manager Brian Snitker on Monday, with a team option for a third year
Snitker earned the extension by guiding the Braves to an unexpected National League East title this year. Along with validating his ability to be a highly respected leader, the 62-year-old manager also quickly formed a strong working relationship with general manager Alex Anthopoulos, who moved into his role last November.
Snitker was named the Braves' interim manager when Fredi Gonzalez was fired after the team lost 27 of its first 38 games in 2016. Snitker had spent each of the previous 39 seasons as a player, coach or manager within Atlanta's organization. The expectation that he would simply be a short-term fix faded when Freddie Freeman was among the veterans who campaigned against another managerial change.
The Braves gave Snitker a one-year deal with an option following the 2016 season. There was certainly reason to doubt that option would have been exercised had former GM John Coppolella not been removed from his role and ultimately banned from baseball for his role in the international market scandal that rocked Atlanta's organization last offseason.
Coppolella wanted to hire a new manager and by the regular season's final weekend, Snitker had no desire to continue working with Coppolella.
But once the leadership landscape changed and the option was exercised, a refreshed Snitker took advantage of the chance to prove he was indeed the right man for the job, which he is now expected to maintain for at least a couple more seasons.
The National League manager-of-the-year candidate, who turns 63 on Wednesday, owns a 221-227 (.493) record in his two-plus seasons.
There is no doubt Snit has the eyes, ears and respect of everybody in the clubhouse.
However, for the first time, there will be high expectations for this Braves team. Reaching the playoffs is no longer the goal, success in the playoffs will determine how long Snitker will manage in Atlanta.
