Braves considering coaching staff changes even if Brian Snitker returns, per report

While the chances of Brian Snitker returning as Braves manager appear to be improving, the team could be eyeing some significant changes to the coaching staff.

The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reports that the Braves are considering shaking up their coaching staff even if Brian Snitker is brought back for 2018 and that longtime coaches and former players Terry Pendleton and Eddie Perez could be in jeopardy.

The chances of Braves manager Brian Snitker keeping his job appear to be increasing, but changes remain likely in his coaching staff, sources say. As I reported at the end of August, bench coach Terry Pendleton and first base coach Eddie Perez are in jeopardy. Pendleton is in his 16th season on the Braves’ staff, Perez his 11th.

Both have ties to the organization as former players and their departure would come as a bit of a shock. However, with several players having gone to bat for Snitker recently, perhaps this is another way the front office can bring some change to the coaching staff.

Long time pitching coach Roger McDowell was let go at the end of last season and replaced by Chuck Hernandez. This move would potentially seem to be following the same path.

Snitker’s status appeared shaky at best before a sit down meeting with management seemed to have quieted a lot of the speculation. Still, it seems evident that some changes as soon as the season is over.