Breaking News: The Atlanta Braves have chosen Walt Weiss as their new manager, a move that brings a familiar face to the helm after a period of speculation and anticipation.
After an internal search, the Braves have decided to promote Walt Weiss, who has served as the team's bench coach for the past eight seasons. Weiss, a former shortstop with a 14-year MLB career, including his final three seasons with the Braves, takes over the reins. He even earned an All-Star Game nod back in 1998.
Before his recent promotion, Weiss had a previous managerial stint with the Colorado Rockies from 2013 to 2016. This appointment, however, was somewhat unexpected, although perhaps it shouldn't have been. Braves President of Baseball Operations, Alex Anthopoulos, is known for running a tight ship, aiming to keep information within the organization until the official announcement. Mission accomplished, it seems!
Braves (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Braves?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Name Walt Weiss as Major League Manager: pic.twitter.com/SOXe5xjst9 (https://t.co/SOXe5xjst9)
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) November 3, 2025 (https://twitter.com/Braves/status/1985470847511888042?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
There was considerable buzz around the possibility of Danny Lehmann, the Los Angeles Dodgers' bench coach, taking the position. The delay in the announcement only fueled the rumors that Lehmann was the frontrunner, with the Braves potentially waiting for the Dodgers to finish their World Series run. Other names in the mix included George Lombard, the Tigers' bench coach and a former Brave, and John Gibbons, who had recently stepped down as the Mets' bench coach. Anthopoulos had worked with Gibbons during their time with the Blue Jays.
But here's where it gets controversial... the Braves ultimately selected Weiss, who had been a constant presence alongside Brian Snitker for most of his nearly 10-year run as manager. Weiss even took on infield-instructor duties after Ron Washington left the Braves to manage the Angels following the 2023 season.
Weiss becomes only the fourth manager for the Braves since 1991, following in the footsteps of Hall of Famer Bobby Cox, Fredi González, and Snitker, who will be inducted into the Braves' Hall of Fame next year. Weiss, a native of Tuxedo, N.Y., was a first-round draft pick out of the University of North Carolina in 1985. He was named AL Rookie of the Year in 1988 with Oakland and was known throughout his career as an excellent defensive shortstop.
After his playing career, Weiss took on an advisory role with the Rockies before becoming their manager. During his time as manager, he recorded a 283-365 record over four seasons.
Snitker, aged 70, retired shortly after the 2025 regular season and transitioned into a senior advisory role with the Braves. It's safe to assume that Weiss received a strong recommendation from his former boss. Weiss is known for his friendly demeanor, but he also commands respect from the Braves' roster.
And this is the part most people miss... The Braves had a remarkable run, making seven consecutive postseason appearances, including six division titles, before missing the playoffs this year due to injuries. The coaching staff was informed after the season to explore other opportunities, as Anthopoulos couldn't guarantee their positions until a new manager was hired.
Now, with Weiss in charge, it seems likely that some of the coaches, including Eddie Pérez, will be retained, although the Braves haven't made any official announcements regarding the coaching staff's composition. González returned as the third-base coach midway through the 2025 season.
It will be interesting to see if the Braves consider a reunion with Ron Washington, who was not retained by the Angels after undergoing quadruple bypass surgery in June. Given his age and health, it's uncertain whether this is a viable option.
What do you think about the Braves' decision? Do you agree with the choice of Weiss, or were you hoping for a different candidate? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
