Braves’ Brian Snitker, Chipper Jones spotted with NL Manager of the Year, sparking managerial buzz originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Atlanta Braves just endured one of their worst seasons in recent memory. It was shocking to see how quickly things unraveled for a team that entered the year with championship aspirations. From June onward, the Braves were among the worst teams in MLB. Because of this collapse, Brian Snitker was widely expected not to return as manager.

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“Because of that consistent recent success, Snit would normally be afforded a ‘mulligan’ year—even though going from the second-best preseason World Series odds to possibly the third-best odds of winning the draft lottery is a pretty serious mulligan,” Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller wrote. “At 69, though, he’s already the oldest manager in the National League by a several-year margin and was likely to retire at the end of this season, which is the last one in his current contract.”

Shortly after the Braves’ season ended, Snitker made it official that he was stepping down.

“Brian Snitker will not return as manager of the Atlanta Braves, sources tell ESPN. He informed the team of his decision yesterday. But he will remain with the organization in a senior advisory capacity,” ESPN’s Jeff Passan posted.

With the managerial seat now open, Atlanta has the opportunity to make a big move. A recent sighting may have hinted at who could be next in line for the job.

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“Alison Mastrangelo of WSB TV reported she ran into Brian Snitker at the game with his wife, Ronnie. The part that sparks some intrigue is he was also there with Braves legend Chipper Jones and former catcher David Ross,” HTHB’s Steven Teal wrote. “They both have some say in things within the front office, and they could be talking with Ross about taking over the role next year.”

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If this meeting was indeed about the team’s future, it could be the clearest sign yet that David Ross is the favorite to take over. Ross appears to be the go-to candidate for the position.

The one thing Atlanta can’t afford now is to let another team swoop in and steal the two-time World Series champion. This moment could mark the beginning of a new era for the Braves.

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