The Atlanta Braves knew throughout the season that Brian Snitker was likely nearing the end of his managerial career. On top of that, a disappointing year made it seem unlikely the front office would bring him back anyway.

“Because of that consistent recent success, Snit would normally be afforded a ‘mulligan’ year—even though going from the second-best preseason World Series odds to possibly the third-best odds of winning the draft lottery is a pretty serious mulligan,” Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller wrote. “At 69, though, he’s already the oldest manager in the National League by a several-year margin and was likely to retire at the end of this season, which is the last one in his current contract.”

However, his potential successor is gaining serious traction — Dodgers bench coach Danny Lehmann.

“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,” Braves insider Mark Bowman wrote. “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.”

The Braves’ official announcement could come soon, according to one writer.

“It would not be shocking to see the Braves announce the successor to Brian Snitker within the next week, as the World Series will conclude by Saturday at the latest,” HTHB’s Mitchell Barbee wrote.

The Braves appear to be closing in on their next manager, and a move could be just days away. It’s a different kind of hire — one that could prove to be either a bold success or a risky change.

Lehmann will be expected to bring a championship mindset to Atlanta. With a veteran roster and high expectations, his leash could be short.

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