The Atlanta Braves announced on Monday that Walt Weiss, their bench coach for the past eight seasons, will take over as manager following Brian Snitker's retirement. Weiss, who previously managed the Colorado Rockies from 2013 to 2016, steps into the role amid a successful era for the franchise. He will be introduced at a press conference on Tuesday at Truist Park.
Walt Weiss has been named the new manager of the Atlanta Braves, succeeding Brian Snitker who retired after leading the team from 2016 to 2025. During Snitker's tenure, the Braves captured six consecutive National League East titles from 2018 to 2023 and won the 2021 World Series. Weiss served as Snitker's bench coach throughout this stretch, contributing to the team's success which included two seasons with over 100 wins and a wild-card berth in a later year.
Weiss brings prior managerial experience from his time with the Rockies, where he posted a 283-365 record over four seasons from 2013 to 2016, equivalent to a .437 winning percentage, and did not reach the playoffs. A former player, Weiss spent 14 seasons in the majors, including three with the Braves from 1998 to 2000. He was drafted first round by the Oakland Athletics in 1985 out of North Carolina, earned American League Rookie of the Year in 1988, started at shortstop for the 1989 World Series champions, and made the All-Star team in 1998 with Atlanta, where he hit .286 in the 1999 NLCS during a pennant-winning season.
The Braves' decision marks the fourth managerial change since Bobby Cox transitioned to the role in 1990. Cox, Weiss's mentor and former manager, influenced the organization profoundly after becoming general manager in 1986 and leading Atlanta to sustained success through 2010. Previous managers included Fredi González, replaced by Snitker in 2016, maintaining a connection to Cox's era.
The club delayed the announcement by about a month to evaluate external candidates like Mark DeRosa, David Ross, and Danny Lehmann, though interest in them was limited. Weiss was informed of the decision only on Monday. Snitker had considered continuing but opted to retire after discussions with team officials. The hire emphasizes continuity in the dugout for the 2026 season.
This move comes amid a busy MLB offseason, with nine teams seeking new managers; seven have filled their positions, leaving the Rockies and Padres as the remaining openings.
