ATLANTA – It took a while for Brian Snitker to get his opportunity to be the manager of an MLB team, and he’s in no hurry to let it go. The Atlanta Braves seem happy to have him stick around a little longer, too.
The Braves announced Friday they have extended Snitker’s contract through the 2023 season, with a club option for 2024.
Snitker, who turned 65 in October, took over as manager of the Braves on an interim basis in May 2016 and is heading into his fifth full season in charge. He has led the Braves to three straight National League East Division titles, and last season they came within a win of reaching the World Series for the first time this century.
“It feels good,” he said after Friday’s spring training workout in North Port, Florida. “I’m not one that worries about that kind of thing, honestly. If this was going to be my last year or whatever, I would give it everything I’ve got. But it’s nice, obviously, that someone thinks enough of you to extend that kind of package.”
Snitker has been with the Braves organization for 45 seasons as a player, coach and manager – mostly in the minor leagues – after signing with the club as an undrafted free agent in 1977.