Reddit AMA: Who could take over if Snitker retires after '25?

On Wednesday, Braves beat reporter Mark Bowman conducted an AMA (ask me anything) on Reddit. You can read the full transcript *here. Here are some highlights, edited lightly for clarity and brevity:*

Since this is likely manager Brian Snitker's last year, who do you think are likely candidates to replace him? Is Eddie Pérez a viable choice, in your eyes?

The assumption Snitker will retire at the end of this season has only grown stronger over the past few months. Walt Weiss might be the top internal candidate. If the team goes with an external option, David Ross and Skip Schumaker should be at the top of the wish list.

Regardless of what the Braves do, Pérez needs to stay in the mix. More than a decade ago, Pérez was considered a top managerial candidate. He's even more prepared to be successful now.

Drake Baldwin's incredible improvement defensively, even since the start of Spring Training, is a credit to Pérez. It didn't seem to be a coincidence the Braves parted ways with Sal Fasano last year, after William Contreras had spent the previous few months establishing himself as one of the top catchers. Pérez needs to continue to be around Baldwin, either as a coach or manager.

Given Michael Harris II’s continued struggles at the plate, has the team discussed any specific plans to help him reset?

Harris' struggles are certainly concerning, especially when you look at the lack of plate discipline. I'm not sure sending him to Triple-A for a couple weeks would be the answer. But the Braves would at least have that option next week when Jurickson Profar returns from his 80-game PED suspension. They could use Eli White as the everyday center fielder while Harris attempts to right himself, but is that a Band-Aid or a solution?

My expectation is the team will give Harris a chance to get himself right at the big league level with the hope he turns things around like he did down the stretch the past couple seasons.

What are the chances that Ronald Acuña Jr. actually stays a Brave for life?

It's hard to imagine anybody remaining with a team throughout their entire career. Chipper Jones, Ripken and Jeter did. But Mays, Aaron, Mathews and Spahn are among the legends who didn't.

• Acuña returns to HR Derby to electrify hometown crowd

Selfishly, I'd love to watch the entirety of Acuña's career unfold. He's the most talented and exciting player I'll likely ever cover. But the reality is he'll likely spend some time, even if it's just a season or two, elsewhere.

What’s your favorite opposing ballpark to visit and why?

PNC Park has the greatest press box view and it's home. So, Pittsburgh ranks slightly ahead of San Diego's Petco Park and San Francisco's Oracle Park.

As for the nostalgic parks, Fenway ranks ahead of Wrigley and Dodger Stadium. Seeing the Green Monster never gets old and the modernization of a stadium within which the Braves won the 1914 World Series has been incredible.

But I also have to give love to Citizens Bank Park. It's not necessarily for the ballpark. It's just the entire experience. The food, courteousness of the stadium workers and working environment make it a great visit.

Strange to point out how great the Philadelphia folks are? No doubt. Braves players' families certainly wouldn't share my opinion about the experience at CBP. A fan nearly hit Spencer Strider with a liquor bottle as he was warming up before Opening Day in 2024. And we have heard some incredibly crude comments during BP before postseason games in Philly.

That's not even accounting for what came out of the adults' mouths. But the media experience is a good one in the City of Brotherly Love.

Past or present, who are some of the most fun players to work with as a member of the press?

There are so many to mention. I got my PhD in this business because my early years gave me daily access to Bobby Cox, Chipper, John Smoltz, Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine. All of them were incredible players who I can now call friends.

There are far too many players to mention. So, I'm just going to say the 2010 Braves were the best group I have covered and will likely ever cover.

This was long before players hid in the clubhouse before games. They sat at their lockers and everybody was fair game to get ripped on. You had Derek Lowe, Peter Moylan, Kris Medlen, Brian McCann, Tim Hudson and Eric Hinske, who were all capable of drawing laughs, usually at the expense of a teammate, coach, media member or even members of the medical staff.

Then you had Martín Prado, one of the world's greatest humans, and Chipper, who is the greatest pregame and postgame talker I've ever covered. (Chris Sale has moved into second place). Then we also had the pleasure of spending that year with Billy Wagner.

In terms of personalities, I don't think I'll ever be around a group like the 2010 Braves again.

Is Nacho Alvarez likely a trade candidate with him playing third at Triple-A Gwinnett? Also, if you had to put money today on it, is Ozzie [Albies]' option being picked up?

I don't think anybody has ever seriously considered Nacho to be a legit option to play either of the middle infield options at the big league level. It has been encouraging to see him show some power, especially that of the pull variety since beginning to play for Gwinnett this month. The Braves don't have many trade chips.

So, while I wouldn't say they are shopping Nacho, he's one of the few pieces available to possibly gain a return before the July 31 Trade Deadline.

As for Albies' option. that's a great question and one we bounce around frequently in the press box. Some are of the opinion that you aren't going to find a comparable option for less than $7 million (Albies has a $7M option for 2026 and 2027 with a $4M buyout). I disagree. Albies has provided below average offense and defense (-2 outs above average).

Would I pick up his option? Only if I had the confidence the bat would improve next year as he distances himself from last year's wrist injury.

Would you expect a soft buy or a real attempt to fix some of the holes with this team? Does it more depend on how the team plays in the next couple of weeks?

[President of baseball operations] Alex Anthopoulos said he will not sell any player who is under control beyond this season. This makes perfect sense. But if we reach the final week of July and it's apparent the Braves won't reach the playoffs, then I think they need to get pieces for Marcell Ozuna, Raisel Iglesias and Pierce Johnson, who are all in the final year of their respective contracts. If the decision has been made to decline Albies' option, he too should be a trade piece.

The interesting player is Sean Murphy. As sellers or buyers, you could argue him as a viable trade piece. If the Braves plan to move him this winter with the thought Drake Baldwin will be the everyday catcher next year, it makes sense to at least get a feel for suitors in July. But if the Braves plan to have Baldwin and Murphy share the C/DH spots next year, then there's no reason to even think about moving him.