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The Atlanta Braves have turned to a familiar face to lead the team into its next chapter, announcing Monday that bench coach Walt Weiss has been named the club’s new manager.
The promotion comes just weeks after Brian Snitker, the architect of the Braves’ 2021 World Series championship, stepped down following a disappointing 76-86 season that marked the team’s first losing record since 2017.
Atlanta Braves Name Weiss As Manager
Weiss, 61, has been Snitker’s right-hand man since joining the Braves as bench coach in 2018. During that span, Atlanta compiled a 618-513 record, captured six consecutive NL East titles from 2018 to 2023, and hoisted the Commissioner’s Trophy in 2021 after a thrilling postseason run.
The move keeps the Braves’ managerial lineage intact: Weiss becomes just the fourth skipper since Hall of Famer Bobby Cox took the reins in 1990, following Cox, Fredi Gonzalez, and Snitker.
“We are thrilled to name Walt Weiss as our manager,” said Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos in a statement. “Walt’s deep knowledge of our organization, his leadership during our championship season, and his experience as a player and coach make him the ideal choice to guide this talented group forward.”
A former shortstop who played 14 MLB seasons, Weiss spent the final three years of his career (1998-2000) with the Braves, earning All-Star honors in 1998 while batting .257 under Cox.
He won a World Series with the Oakland Athletics in 1989 and was named NL Rookie of the Year in 1988. After retiring, Weiss managed the Colorado Rockies from 2013 to 2016, posting a 283-365 record in a challenging Coors Field environment.
The decision ends weeks of speculation that had linked the Braves to external candidates, including Dodgers bench coach Danny Lehmann and even college standout Tony Vitello.
Instead, Anthopoulos opted for continuity, echoing the internal promotions that elevated Snitker from interim manager in 2016 to a beloved franchise icon.
“Weiss has been instrumental in our success,” Anthopoulos added. “He’s earned the respect of our players and staff, and we’re confident he’ll build on the foundation Brian laid.”
Snitker, who turned 70 last month, announced his retirement in early October and transitions to a senior advisory role.
His nine full seasons at the helm produced 811 wins, seven playoff appearances, and that elusive 2021 title — Atlanta’s first since 1995.
For Weiss, the task ahead is rebuilding a roster plagued by injuries in 2025. Stars like Ronald Acuña Jr., Spencer Strider, and Austin Riley missed significant time, contributing to a fourth-place finish in the NL East.
Despite the struggles, the Braves rallied to a 30-24 mark in the season’s final two months, hinting at the core’s potential.“We have the talent to compete at the highest level,” Weiss said in his introductory remarks at Truist Park. “I’m honored to follow in the footsteps of legends like Bobby and Brian. This is about ‘The Braves Way’ — playing hard, staying together, and winning for Atlanta.”
Fans reacted with a mix of optimism and calls for boldness on social media, with many praising the hire’s stability while others hoped for fresh ideas. “Continuity is real. ‘The Braves Way’ is real,” one supporter posted, echoing sentiments from the organization’s official announcement.
Weiss’s staff is expected to feature returning faces, potentially including third-base coach Ron Washington, who rejoined mid-2025.
Offseason priorities include bolstering the rotation and infield, with free agents and trades on the horizon.
Final Word
As the Braves eye Spring Training in North Port, Florida, Weiss’s era begins with a proven winner at the helm. For a fanbase hungry for October returns, the message is clear: Trust the process that delivered magic in 2021.
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The Atlanta Braves’ 2025 season came to a disappointing close on September 12, as an 11-3 loss to the Houston Astros at Truist Park sealed the team’s first losing season since 2017.
With a final record below .500, the Braves missed the playoffs, dashing hopes for a postseason run and leaving fans and analysts reflecting on a challenging year for the storied franchise.
The decisive game against the Astros highlighted ongoing struggles, with rookie pitcher Hurston Waldrep taking the mound but faltering early. The Astros capitalized on defensive miscues and inconsistent pitching, building an insurmountable lead by the fifth inning.
Despite a late rally, including a solo home run from designated hitter Marcell Ozuna, the Braves couldn’t close the gap. The loss encapsulated a season plagued by injuries, roster inconsistencies, and missed opportunities.
“It’s tough to end like this,” said Braves manager Brian Snitker in a post-game press conference. “We had high expectations, but injuries hit us hard, and we didn’t execute consistently. We’ll learn from this and come back stronger.”
The Braves’ 2025 campaign began with optimism after a strong 2024 season, but key injuries to star players like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider sidelined much of the team’s firepower. The bullpen, a strength in previous years, struggled with blown saves, while the offense failed to deliver in clutch moments.
Fans at Truist Park remained vocal, filling the stands with tomahawk chops, but the energy couldn’t translate into wins.Social media buzzed with reactions, with some fans pointing to controversial front-office decisions, including midseason trades that failed to spark the lineup.
Some fans shared on social media that it was time for a roster overhaul. Others praised the resilience of younger players like Waldrep and outfielder Michael Harris II, who showed flashes of brilliance despite the team’s woes.
The Braves’ struggles stand in contrast to Atlanta’s vibrant sports scene, with Georgia Tech’s recent football upset over Clemson electrifying the city. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons are generating early-season buzz, leaving baseball fans hopeful for a brighter sports future. As the Braves head into the offseason, general manager Alex Anthopoulos faces pressure to rebuild around core talent and address gaps in pitching and depth.
For now, Braves Country is left to regroup, with tailgates and watch-the-Braves parties already giving way to offseason speculation.
“We’ve been through tough seasons before,” said lifelong fan Maria Thompson outside Truist Park. “This team’s got heart, and we’ll be back.”The Braves’ focus now shifts to the 2026 season, with fans and analysts alike eager to see how the franchise rebounds from this rare stumble in an otherwise dominant era.
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Spencer Strider has been added to the Atlanta Braves starting rotation and looks the part against the Boston Red Sox on Monday.
About Spencer Strider: Braves Star Pitcher
But who is Spencer Strider? Well, for starters, he is a professional baseball pitcher for the Atlanta Braves in Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on October 26, 1998, in Columbus, Ohio, Strider played college baseball for the Clemson Tigers before being selected by the Braves in the fourth round of the 2020 MLB Draft.
High School and College Career
Spencer Strider attended Christian Academy of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky, for high school. During his time there, he played both baseball and football, showcasing his athletic abilities.
For college, Strider played for the Clemson Tigers at Clemson University in South Carolina. He pitched for Clemson’s baseball team for three seasons (2018–2020), where he made a name for himself as a standout pitcher.
Although his college career was affected by injuries, he showed great promise and was eventually drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the fourth round of the 2020 MLB Draft.
Pro Baseball Career
Strider is known for his strong fastball, often touching triple digits, and his devastating slider. He made his MLB debut for the Braves in 2021 and quickly gained attention for his impressive strikeout ability. He became a key part of the Braves’ pitching staff, contributing significantly to their rotation and bullpen.
In 2022, Strider had a breakout season, finishing second in the National League Rookie of the Year voting, largely due to his exceptional strikeout numbers and effectiveness on the mound. He’s often praised for his poise, work ethic, and the dominance he brings as a pitcher. His rise has been one of the more exciting stories in recent MLB seasons.
