Braves confirm Brian Snitker as manager for 2017
Brian Snitker shed the “interim” tag as the Atlanta Braves tapped him as the team’s manager on a permanent basis on Tuesday.
The deal is only guaranteed through the upcoming season, the Braves’ first in SunTrust Park in suburban Atlanta.
A club option for the 2018 season is also included in the deal. Snitker took over as manager when the Braves fired Fredi Gonzalez on May 17. The Braves went 59-65 — including 37-35 in the second half — under Snitker.
Snitker, who has been in the Braves organization for nearly 40 years as player, coach or manager, appeared to be the frontrunner for the job as the team closed out its latest losing season at Turner Field.
"Brian earned this opportunity through his dedication to the Braves and to our players," Braves general manager John Coppolella said in a statement. "We are excited for the energy and momentum he will bring into SunTrust Park next season."
The Braves interviewed two external candidates: former San Diego Padres manager Bud Black and former Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington. Wasington was hired by the Braves to coach third.
The Braves retained bench coach Terry Pendleton, first-base coach Eddie Perez and hitting coach Kevin Seitzer. Chuck Hernandez will take over as pitching coach and Bo Porter, who had been the Braves' third-base coach, will move to the role of special assistant to the GM.