The Atlanta Braves have been struggling, with missteps apparent at every turn. General Manager Alex Anthopoulos carries a portion of the responsibility for the evident weaknesses in left field and shortstop, not to mention a subpar bullpen. Responsibility, however, must also fall on the players. It would seem that nearly the entire team is underdelivering when compared to their contracts or anticipated performance levels, with the notable exceptions of Ronald Acuna Jr. and Drake Baldwin.
When circumstances are tense, the performance of this Braves team leaves much to be desired, both in terms of offense and their prowess on the mound. They’ve found themselves in more one-run games than any other team in baseball, a situation further impaired by a feeble bullpen and an ineffective situational lineup. A combination such as this certainly spells disaster.
The team’s manager is left with limited scope for action, given this situation created by his GM. The relief core he’s been provided is far from stellar, and the provided lineup comes with two guaranteed outs at shortstop and left field. Add to this the fact that Michael Harris II and Ozzie Albies, two central members of the team, have been underdelivering, and the situation looks grim. In a nutshell, the Braves’ team composition is riddled with deficiencies.
This team operates with an incredibly thin safety net. Any error could prove to be costly. As such, some insiders have quickly dismissed suggestions of potential turnaround strategies. It’s clear that Braves fans are losing patience, their frustrations bubbling over. They seem to be leaning toward the belief that replacing Snitker could reignite the team. However, it’s unlikely this will transpire.
In spite of the fraught season that sees the Braves on the verge of not advancing to the postseason for the first time since 2017, Snitker’s position appears to remain secure for the rest of the season. His record includes leading Atlanta to seven straight postseasons and securing a World Series championship. His contract is due to terminate after this year, and it is anticipated he will transition into a special advisory role upon retirement from managerial duties.
The disappointing season Atlanta is currently navigating can be attributed to a combination of factors, including unfortunate outcomes in one-run games, a flawed roster, and dismal performances from key members of the team. Although Snitker is part of this picture, he can scarcely be singled out as the primary wrongdoer.