ATLANTA — Now that the Angels have hired Kurt Suzuki as their next skipper, it would make sense for the Braves to name Tyler Flowers as their new manager.
Now, that I’ve got your attention with an opening paragraph featuring a couple Braves catchers of yesteryear, here is an updated look at who could replace Brian Snitker as Atlanta’s skipper:
David Ross and Mark DeRosa were speculated as candidates throughout the summer months. But as October has progressed, there has been no indication that either can be considered a candidate.
When John Gibbons voluntarily removed himself from the Mets’ coaching staff, there was reason to think he might be a fit in Atlanta. The 62-year-old coaching veteran was Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos’ manager in Toronto from 2012-15. But a source has said Gibbons isn’t a candidate to become the Braves’ next manager.
As for Dodgers bench coach Danny Lehmann, his candidacy has seemingly strengthened over the past couple weeks. Lehmann was Los Angeles’ advance video scout when Anthopoulos was with the Dodgers from 2016-17. The two have remained in contact over the years that have followed.
With the Dodgers set to begin their World Series battle against the Blue Jays on Friday, Lehmann’s candidacy could lead to the Braves waiting into November before announcing their next manager.
Other potential candidates could include Cubs bench coach Ryan Flaherty and Tigers bench coach George Lombard.
Snitker’s bench coach, Walt Weiss, and longtime Braves coach Eddie Perez were seemingly the top internal candidates. But their potential candidacies seemed to die when the Braves didn’t persuade Snitker to manage at least one more year.
Kim watch
Many conversations regarding shortstop Ha-Seong Kim’s future include this question: Do you really think he’ll decline a $16 million player option coming off an injury-marred season? In this instance, there’s seemingly reason to do so.
Let’s throw out the .611 OPS Kim produced over 24 games during his stint with the Rays this year. He was a plus defender while hitting .253 with a .684 OPS while remaining healthy over 24 September games for the Braves.
In some years, it might be best for a player in this situation to bet on himself by exercising the option. A productive season could set up even better multiyear deals the following winter.
But this winter’s shortstop market is barren, and Kim has a track record. Bo Bichette’s defense will affect his free agent market, and Trevor Story seems likely to remain with the Red Sox.
Some might argue the top target among free agent shortstops is the 30-year-old Kim, who had a 5.0 bWAR in 2022 and a 5.4 bWAR in 2023. He regressed slightly as he produced a 2.6 WAR in 2024.
Kim gained his two-year, $29 million deal with the Rays with the knowledge he would begin the 2025 season on the injured list while recovering from right shoulder (labrum) surgery.
So, with the Braves and Yankees among the teams expected to shop for a shortstop, Kim’s agent Scott Boras would seemingly have reason to believe he can get his client an average annual value of at least $16 million with a multiyear deal on the free agent market.
Kim has until five days after the World Series to decide on his option. The Braves have sole negotiating power for about two more weeks.
AFL update
In Saturday’s newsletter, you might have seen the blurb about Luke Sinnard (ranked by MLB Pipeline as the Braves’ No. 16 prospect). The 6-foot-8 right-hander, who could fast-track his way to Atlanta next year, has recorded six strikeouts and walked none while allowing just one run over his first five innings in the Arizona Fall League.
Control hasn’t been an issue. The 23-year-old posted a 2.86 ERA this year between Single-A Augusta and High-A Rome. He had a 28.3% strikeout rate and an 8.9% walk rate over 16 combined starts (72 1/3 innings). More impressive, he finished his first professional season strong, notching 22 strikeouts and allowing just four earned runs over his final three starts (16 innings).
