The Atlanta Braves appear to be entering the final chapter of the Brian Snitker era, with his retirement seemingly on the horizon. If he doesn’t step aside voluntarily, there’s speculation the organization could move on after a disappointing season.
“Given his track record of recent success, Snitker would usually be granted a ‘mulligan’ year—even though tumbling from World Series contender to potential draft lottery odds is a pretty big mulligan,” wrote Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report. “But at 69, already the oldest manager in the National League by several years, and with his contract ending after this season, retirement was always the most likely outcome.”
With that transition looming, Atlanta’s attention is also turning to one of its biggest roster gaps: shortstop. Though the Braves rarely dive deep into free agency, there’s growing chatter that they might make an exception.
One prominent name on the radar is Toronto Blue Jays star Bo Bichette.
“Unsurprisingly, people have connected the dots between the Braves’ need at shortstop and Bo Bichette’s free agency, which is why MLB insider Mark Feinsand listed Atlanta as a logical fit,” Eric Cole of HTHB reported.
Another option has surfaced as well.
“Shortstop will be a major focus this offseason. In the past 48 hours, Trevor Story—who’s having a strong year with the Red Sox—has come up as a possible solution,” ESPN’s Buster Olney said.
Story would be an upgrade over Nick Allen, but his injury history raises questions. Since arriving in Boston, staying on the field has been his biggest challenge.
The shortstop position is clearly the Braves’ top priority. Addressing it this winter could set the stage for a legitimate postseason push in 2026.
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