Braves assessing managerial situation for 2018, per report

Brian Snitker’s job status as manager of the Atlanta Braves remains up in the air with just a few weeks remaining in the 2017 regular season. A new report suggests that Snitker is uncertain to return and that if the Braves do make a change it will be likely one of two in-house candidates that replace him.

FanRag Sports’ Jon Heyman reports that the Braves are assessing their managerial position for 2018 and that it is uncertain as to whether or not Snitker will return to the dugout. Snitker’s contract contains a team option for 2018 but the Braves have been pretty much mum on his status.

John Hart gave an in-game interview that made it sound like Snitker was certain to return but as the days pass, more doubt seems to be creeping in.

Per Heyman’s report, if the Braves do decide to make a change then the top two candidates would likely be in-house options in Ron Washington and Bo Porter.

Washington interviewed for the managerial job last offseason before joining Snitker’s staff. He has previous experience with Texas and a seemingly good relationship with Hart. Porter had a stint as manager in Houston before serving as third base coach for Fredi Gonzalez. Porter was moved into the front office after Gonzalez was fired.

Heyman also mentions that Hart’s contract is up but given his input on the restructuring of the front office, it seems likely that he will return.

Snitker road the team’s second half surge to having the interim label dropped after he replaced Gonzalez. He has the support of his veteran players, most notably Freddie Freeman who has voiced his support for Snitker to the front office on more than one occasion.

Still the fact that the team hasn’t already exercised Snitker’s option for next season tends to suggest that they are in fact considering alternatives.