On Monday, word began to surface that interim manager Brian Snitker would be the recipient of the full-time role for the Atlanta Braves. Now, that is official, as the team announced the hiring on Tuesday morning.
Snitker, who is 60 years old, took over the reins during the 2016 season following the firing of Fredi Gonzalez, and the Braves sharply improved under his watch. Atlanta produced a 59-65 record with Snitker at the helm and, on the heels of a 9-28 start with Gonzalez, that mark represented progress even with the caveat that the interim manager was dealing with an improved roster.