Braves brace for offseason shakeup as manager Snitker nears retirement and Ozuna vetoes trade offers to stay in Atlanta
The Atlanta Braves find themselves at a crossroads after a season that has been disappointing in many respects. With the specter of change looming over the franchise, the offseason promises to be a period of significant transition, especially regarding the managerial position. Brian Snitker, who is in his final year of contract, is increasingly likely to hang up his cleats for good.
Snitker’s Future in Question
At 69 years old, Snitker stands as the oldest manager in the National League, a distinction that comes with its own pressures. His tenure, marked by consistent success, typically would afford him a “mulligan” year. However, a sharp decline from having the second-best preseason World Series odds to potentially facing the third-best odds in the draft lottery complicates matters. The stakes are high, and many speculate that Snitker may choose retirement at the end of this season, which would conclude his current contract.
Kerry Miller noted the irony of Snitker’s situation, stating, “Because of that consistent recent success, Snit would normally be afforded a ‘mulligan’ year,” underscoring the challenges he faces as the team’s fortunes dip.
Ozuna’s Trade Veto Raises Eyebrows
As the trade deadline approached, there was speculation that the Braves would look to move several players, including designated hitter Marcell Ozuna. However, reports surfaced that Ozuna exercised his veto power on trade offers from three different teams. Braves insider Ryan Cothran shared insights, revealing that “they tried to trade him to three teams but he vetoed all of them.”
This decision raises questions about the nature of the trade offers and the teams involved. It’s plausible that these offers came from clubs not in playoff contention, which may have influenced Ozuna’s choice to remain in Atlanta. Moreover, it’s possible that Ozuna opted to let his agent handle trade discussions, complicating the situation further.
Harrison Smajovits elaborated on this, suggesting that “while Anthopoulos was discussing trades, he couldn’t agree on a deal that Ozuna’s agent could also sign off on.” This indicates that despite Ozuna’s desire to stay, the complexities of trade negotiations and his 10-5 rights played a significant role in his decision-making process.
A Season of Missed Opportunities
Since joining the Braves in 2020, Ozuna has been a vital offensive presence. However, his performance this season has not met expectations, raising doubts about his future with the team. Despite the possibility of competing for a championship with a different franchise, Ozuna ultimately chose to remain in Atlanta, passing up three potential opportunities to conclude the season elsewhere.
As the Braves prepare for what could be a transformative offseason, the decisions surrounding Snitker’s future and Ozuna’s position on the roster will be pivotal. The franchise will need to navigate these challenges carefully, as they aim to rebuild and reclaim their status as a contender in Major League Baseball.
