#briansnitker

As the 2025 Major League Baseball regular season winds down, a wave of uncertainty is settling over several dugouts and executive suites. With aging managers, mixed team performances, and some contracts soon expiring, several teams look poised to make changes. Some big names may retire, others could be replaced, and plenty of new faces are being floated as possible successors.

Snitker’s Future Clouds Atlanta

Brian Snitker, steering the Braves for ten seasons, has made it clear he’s still debating whether to return as manager in 2026. He’s 70 next month, and speaks with the wear of time—missing parts of his son’s youth, time with grandchildren, and the toll of travel and schedule. Many believe 2025 could be his last season in the dugout. The Braves, rich in prized talent like Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, and rookie pitcher Hurston Waldrep, would offer a tempting platform for any successor. Speculated names include bench coach Walt Weiss, former Cubs manager David Ross, Mark DeRosa, and 2022 NL Manager of the Year Skip Schumaker.

Other Managers on the Hot Seat or Contemplating Moves

Bruce Bochy (Texas Rangers): Also 70 by year’s end, Bochy has not announced plans for stepping down. But with the Rangers making a push for the postseason, the timing of any change may hinge on late-season playoff results.

Rocco Baldelli (Minnesota Twins): Baldelli had his 2026 option picked up earlier in 2025, suggesting some security. However, fan frustration over the team’s inconsistent season, especially after moving veteran players at the trade deadline, could feed arguments for a fresh direction.

Other teams like the Angels, Diamondbacks, Phillies, Giants, Orioles, and Cardinals have also been mentioned in speculation. Injuries, underperformance, or leadership style shifts could tip scales toward change.

Front Office Unrest as Well

It’s not just managers who may be moving. Some general managers and heads of baseball operations could be in jeopardy if their teams fail to meet expectations or if ownership demands new leadership. The pressure will be greatest in teams with high payrolls, aging stars, or those that underachieved given resources.

What the Speculation Reveals about MLB Trends

Age & Succession: Several veteran managers are nearing traditional retirement age. Teams may be planning for succession, whether openly or behind the scenes. Bochy and Snitker are two whose departures wouldn’t shock many.

Reward vs. Accountability: Teams with playoff expectations that flopped may feel the need to make changes to appease fans and reset expectations. By contrast, teams in rebuilding mode may stick with current leadership.

Marketplace of Candidates: There’s talk of bench coaches getting mentions, former managers getting looks, and even media personalities potentially being considered. As change looms, teams will evaluate both internal and external options.

Potential Ripple Effects

If several of these expected changes happen, the 2026 season could see a reshuffling of leadership that affects strategy, roster construction, and organizational culture across many clubs. Young players and prospects might find new opportunities, while teams trying to compete this offseason will likely measure managerial stability heavily in deciding trades, free agents, and contracts.