Soon enough, the Atlanta Braves will have a new manager. For now, speculation drives the discussion — and four names have consistently surfaced as serious possibilities. Each brings a unique background and set of strengths, along with questions the front office will have to weigh carefully.
Here’s a breakdown of Walt Weiss, David Ross, Mark DeRosa, and John Gibbons, the most frequently mentioned candidates to succeed Brian Snitker.
Walt Weiss: Familiar Face, Trusted Voice
Pros: Previous experience, organizational knowledge
Cons: Age, limited managerial success, not a clean break
Weiss might be the most natural internal candidate. The longtime bench coach has been with Atlanta since 2018, playing a key role through the team’s World Series run, five straight division titles, and 100-win seasons. He also brings prior managerial experience, having led the Colorado Rockies from 2013 to 2016.
That history, however, cuts both ways. The Rockies never posted a winning record under Weiss, and at 61 years old, he’s not the “new voice” some in the organization may be seeking. The Braves could decide they want a true reset — a leader from outside the current staff.
Still, his institutional knowledge and respect inside the clubhouse make him a legitimate contender.
David Ross: Young Veteran With Upside
Pros: Age, MLB managerial experience
Cons: Mixed results, limited playoff success
At 48, Ross checks a lot of boxes. The former Braves catcher has managed at the highest level, leading the Chicago Cubs from 2020 to 2024, and his blend of youth and experience gives him a modern but seasoned perspective.
His tenure in Chicago was uneven — marked by a postseason berth in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season and another winning campaign in 2024, which narrowly missed the playoffs. While his record isn’t spotless, his communication skills, player rapport, and openness to analytics could appeal to a front office that values structure and accountability.
If the Braves want a younger, yet proven leader, Ross might fit the bill.
Mark DeRosa: Fresh Mind, Familiar Face
Pros: Age, versatility, modern approach
Cons: Lack of dugout experience
DeRosa’s candidacy is more of a wild card — but an intriguing one. A former Braves utility player and current MLB Network analyst, he showcased leadership in managing Team USA during the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
While he doesn’t have formal Major League coaching experience, his baseball intellect, communication skills, and modern mindset have drawn attention. Like Ross before his first Cubs job, DeRosa represents a high-upside gamble: little experience, but a potentially dynamic clubhouse leader.
He’s not the safe pick, but he could be the bold one.
John Gibbons: Veteran Voice With Playoff Pedigree
Pros: Proven track record, playoff success
Cons: Age, time away from managing
Gibbons brings more dugout experience than anyone else on this list — over 20 years in professional coaching, including 13 as a Major League manager across two stints with the Toronto Blue Jays. Under his watch, Toronto reached the ALCS in 2015 and 2016 and posted five winning seasons.
His leadership style is respected, his postseason experience invaluable. But at 64, he’d be the oldest candidate, and after being out of the dugout for several years before a recent stint as Mets bench coach, questions remain about whether his voice fits today’s player-driven culture.
Still, if the Braves value proven success, Gibbons probably deserves serious consideration.
Bottom Line:
The Braves’ managerial search will strike a balance between familiarity and freshness — continuity versus reinvention.
- If they want continuity, Weiss is the clear favorite.
- If they want youth and experience, Ross offers both.
- If they want creativity, DeRosa is the modern wild card.
- If they want pedigree, Gibbons checks that box emphatically.
Whoever takes over inherits one of baseball’s most talented rosters — and the pressure to sustain Atlanta’s golden era.
