The Braves, impressed by the way their players responded to the direction they were given during this season's final four months, opted to remove the interim tag from Snitker's title on Tuesday, when they announced he would return as their manager next year with a one-year contract and an option for the 2018 season.
Snitker learned of the decision early Monday afternoon, as he was driving to the Orlando area for this week's organizational meetings. After he reached his destination, he celebrated by having dinner with his son, Troy; his mentor, Hall of Fame manager Bobby Cox; and close friend Greg Walker, the former hitting coach who has become one of the Braves' most valuable scouts over the past two seasons.
Snitker will have some familiarity within his coaching staff, as bench coach Terry Pendleton, first-base coach Eddie Perez, hitting coaches Kevin Seitzer and Jose Castro, and bullpen coach Marty Reed have all had their options for the 2017 season exercised. Chuck Hernandez will replace Roger McDowell as pitching coach, and Ron Washington will fill the third-base coach role formerly held by Bo Porter, who will stay within Atlanta's organization as a special assistant to the general manager.
Washington has been a beloved coach and manager within his recent stints with the A's and Rangers. He and Bud Black impressed the Braves when they interviewed for the managerial vacancy. Ultimately, however, Hart and Coppolella saw no need to alter the direction Snitker provided to a roster that should remain relatively intact during the offseason.
Snitker left his post as Triple-A Gwinnett's skipper to become Atlanta's interim manager when Gonzalez was let go on May 17 after a 9-28 start. The Braves went 59-65 under Snitker, and they finished this season by winning 20 of their final 30 games, including 12 of their last 14.
Snitker, who will turn 61 on Sunday, has served as a player, coach, manager or instructor at both the big league and Minor League levels within Atlanta's system dating back to 1977.
--- Source: MLB.com