The Atlanta Braves announced this Wednesday morning that Brian Snitker, who has been with the team since becoming interim manager during the 2016 season, will be transitioning into an advisory role. Consequently, the Braves will be among the growing number of MLB teams searching for a new lead manager this upcoming winter.
By the time of this announcement, teams such as the San Francisco Giants, Minnesota Twins, Los Angeles Angels, and Texas Rangers have also expressed intentions to find new management prior to the start of the 2026 season.
It’s expected that other teams like the Baltimore Orioles, Washington Nationals, and Colorado Rockies may join this list depending on how their respective interim managers fare.
With eight clubs undergoing managerial changes, it’s only reasonable to consider which of these positions might be the most appealing. CBS Sports has attempted to rank these openings based on various factors such as winning potential and job security.
1. Atlanta Braves
Whoever steps into the Braves’ dugout will naturally become a strong contender for the NL Manager of the Year title. This accolade generally goes to the manager whose team either surpasses expectations or shows significant improvement from previous performances. The Braves are poised to rebound thanks to their talented roster and an improper record in tight games, suggesting they could have made playoffs if they had won more one-run games.
2. Baltimore Orioles
The new leader in Baltimore will likely emerge as a favorite for the AL Manager of the Year award as well. The team ended the season strong but struggled early on, leading to Brandon Hyde’s dismissal. The Orioles possess a roster rich in young talent, and fans anticipate aggressive improvements to the pitching staff.
3. Minnesota Twins
The Twins’ ranking may seem generous given recent decisions to trade players. Still, two elements bolster this position: the Twins have historically shown patience with their managerial transitions, and the AL Central is typically less challenging to navigate compared to other divisions.
4. Texas Rangers
The Rangers are transitioning into a new chapter with financial constraints expected. This situation calls for a reliance on younger talents, which might provide a longer leash to the new manager, even if it complicates competitive aspirations.
5. San Francisco Giants
The Giants remain a constant contender but have investment challenges that could complicate success. With a group of aging high-profile players, this management position could be fraught with difficulties unless executive Buster Posey can recruit new talent effectively.
6. Washington Nationals
The Nationals seem positioned for growth, equipped with successful young players and consistent top draft picks. However, they recently underperformed, complicating their current picture as a desirable managerial destination.
7. Colorado Rockies
The Rockies appear to be facing a fourth consecutive season with over 100 losses, indicating challenges ahead. The franchise has shown little urgency for results, potentially making it a more laid-back but less rewarding opportunity for a new manager.
8. Los Angeles Angels
The Angels reportedly offer the least appealing managerial role. They lack ample talent for playoff contention and show little tolerance for managerial stability, having cycled through four managers during the past seven seasons since Mike Scioscia’s exit. A new manager here might face formidable obstacles both on and off the field.
