ATLANTA — Now that the Angels have employed Kurt Suzuki as their subsequent skipper, it could make sense for the Braves to call Tyler Flowers as their new supervisor.
Now, that I’ve acquired your consideration with a gap paragraph that includes a pair Braves catchers of yesteryear, right here is an up to date take a look at who may exchange Brian Snitker as Atlanta’s skipper:
David Ross and Mark DeRosa had been speculated as candidates all through the summer time months. However as October has progressed, there was no indication that both will be thought-about a candidate.
When John Gibbons voluntarily eliminated himself from the Mets’ teaching workers, there was purpose to assume he may be a slot in Atlanta. The 62-year-old teaching veteran was Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos’ supervisor in Toronto from 2012-15. However a supply has stated Gibbons isn’t a candidate to turn out to be the Braves’ subsequent supervisor.
As for Dodgers bench coach Danny Lehmann, his candidacy has seemingly strengthened over the previous couple weeks. Lehmann was Los Angeles’ advance video scout when Anthopoulos was with the Dodgers from 2016-17. The 2 have remained involved over time which have adopted.
With the Dodgers set to start their World Sequence battle in opposition to the Blue Jays on Friday, Lehmann’s candidacy may result in the Braves ready into November earlier than asserting their subsequent supervisor.
Different potential candidates may embrace Cubs bench coach Ryan Flaherty and Tigers bench coach George Lombard.
Snitker’s bench coach, Walt Weiss, and longtime Braves coach Eddie Perez had been seemingly the highest inside candidates. However their potential candidacies appeared to die when the Braves didn’t persuade Snitker to handle not less than yet one more yr.
Kim watchMany conversations concerning shortstop Ha-Seong Kim’s future embrace this query: Do you actually assume he’ll decline a $16 million participant possibility coming off an injury-marred season? On this occasion, there’s seemingly purpose to take action.
Let’s throw out the .611 OPS Kim produced over 24 video games throughout his stint with the Rays this yr. He was a plus defender whereas hitting .253 with a .684 OPS whereas remaining wholesome over 24 September video games for the Braves.
In some years, it may be finest for a participant on this state of affairs to guess on himself by exercising the choice. A productive season may arrange even higher multiyear offers the next winter.
However this winter’s shortstop market is barren, and Kim has a observe document. Bo Bichette’s protection will have an effect on his free agent market, and Trevor Story appears prone to stay with the Crimson Sox.
Some may argue the highest goal amongst free agent shortstops is the 30-year-old Kim, who had a 5.0 bWAR in 2022 and a 5.4 bWAR in 2023. He regressed barely as he produced a 2.6 WAR in 2024.
Kim gained his two-year, $29 million take care of the Rays with the information he would start the 2025 season on the injured checklist whereas recovering from proper shoulder (labrum) surgical procedure.
So, with the Braves and Yankees among the many groups anticipated to buy a shortstop, Kim’s agent Scott Boras would seemingly have purpose to imagine he can get his shopper a median annual worth of not less than $16 million with a multiyear deal on the free agent market.
Kim has till 5 days after the World Sequence to determine on his possibility. The Braves have sole negotiating energy for about two extra weeks.
AFL updateIn Saturday’s e-newsletter, you might need seen the blurb about Luke Sinnard (ranked by MLB Pipeline because the Braves’ No. 16 prospect). The 6-foot-8 right-hander, who may fast-track his strategy to Atlanta subsequent yr, has recorded six strikeouts and walked none whereas permitting only one run over his first 5 innings within the Arizona Fall League.
Management hasn’t been a difficulty. The 23-year-old posted a 2.86 ERA this yr between Single-A Augusta and Excessive-A Rome. He had a 28.3% strikeout price and an 8.9% stroll price over 16 mixed begins (72 1/3 innings). Extra spectacular, he completed his first skilled season sturdy, notching 22 strikeouts and permitting simply 4 earned runs over his remaining three begins (16 innings).
