The Atlanta Braves’ search for their next manager has entered the home stretch — and according to reports, the field may now be down to three names, led by Dodgers bench coach Danny Lehmann.
Bowman reports that Lehmann’s “candidacy has seemingly strengthened over the past couple of weeks.” Lehmann, 43, served as the Dodgers’ advance video scout during the years Alex Anthopoulos worked in Los Angeles’ front office (2016–17), and the two have stayed in touch ever since.
That connection, plus Lehmann’s strong reputation for analytics and game-planning, has made him a compelling option to replace Brian Snitker, who retired earlier this month.
Timing could hinge on Dodgers’ World Series run
With the Dodgers set to open the World Series against the Blue Jays on Friday, any hire involving Lehmann would have to wait until after the Fall Classic — potentially delaying Atlanta’s announcement until early November.
Meanwhile, the Braves are free to move sooner if they choose Cubs bench coach Ryan Flaherty or Tigers bench coach George Lombard, both of whom are believed to remain in contention.
Bowman’s report also clarified that David Ross and Mark DeRosa are not viewed as serious candidates, while John Gibbons — who worked with Anthopoulos in both Toronto and Atlanta — is not currently believed to be in the mix.
(Editorial note: Gibbons could surface as a bench coach possibility depending on who lands the job.)
Lehmann’s unconventional rise through Dodgers system
Lehmann’s path has been far from typical. The former minor league catcher joined the Dodgers’ staff as a video coordinator (2015–17), advanced to game-planning coach (2018–22), and has served as bench coach since 2023 — a role that’s placed him alongside manager Dave Roberts in one of MLB’s most analytically advanced dugouts.
The Dodgers are seeking their third World Series title in six seasons, and their staff is widely regarded as among the most innovative in baseball.
Reading between the Braves lines
With nearly three weeks gone in Atlanta’s search, the longer the process stretches into late October, the more it seems to signal that Lehmann is the frontrunner. If that’s the case, Anthopoulos would need to wait until Los Angeles’ postseason run concludes before making it official.
For now, though, the Braves’ next manager remains a mystery — but one that may not stay unsolved much longer.
