Brian Snitker named NL Manager of the Year

The Atlanta Braves came out of nowhere to win the NL East in 2018 and in similar fashion, Brian Snitker was named as Manager of the Year for the National League Tuesday night by the BBWAA. Snitker was one of three finalists for the award along with Milwaukee’s Craig Counsell and Colorado’s Bud Black. Snitker received 17 of 30 first-place votes.

Atlanta improved by 18 wins in 2018 going from a 72-90 in 2017 to a 90-72 mark and their first division championship since 2013. While many thought initially that the team might be a year away from being a true contender, an influx of young players helped return the Braves to the playoffs.

Snitker has often been criticized for his in-game decision making as most managers have. One thing is clear though, he has the respect of his players who go out and play hard for him. He also earned the respect of general manager Alex Anthopoulos and the rest of the front office who rewarded Snitker with a two-year extension that also contains a club option for 2021 after the season.

The Braves went 2-for-2 in BBWAA awards voting. Snitker joins Ronald Acuña Jr, who was named NL Rookie of the Year on Monday, as postseason award winners.