Mum is the word in Atlanta when it comes to the Braves’ search for their next manager.

When Alex Anthopoulos met with the media last weekend, he told reporters he hadn’t even begun compiling a list of candidates, saying that process would begin this week. He also emphasized that it would be a thorough search — and that, ideally, none of the names being considered would become public.

“You just can’t rush it or force it,” Anthopoulos said. “It’s a big decision. It’s a big hire. You’d love to do it sooner rather than later. But every team going through this would tell you the same thing.”

Every fan has a dream candidate. Mark DeRosa, David Ross, Walt Weiss, Ryan Flaherty, and even Tennessee baseball coach Tony Vitello have been thrown around by MLB insiders and beat reporters. Most of which are among the favorites to land the job, according to the oddsmakers. 

Odds to be the Atlanta Braves Next Manager

• Mark DeRosa (+300)
• David Ross (+400)
• Walt Weiss (+400)
• Fredi Gonzalez (+600)
• Ryan Flaherty (+800)
• Yadier Molina (+1100)
• Davey Martinez (+1200)
• Brandon Hyde (+1400)
• Tony Vitello (+1600)
• Bud Black (+2000)
• George Lombard (+2000)
• Rickie Weeks (+2200)
• Rocco Baldelli (+2200)
• Bruce Bochy (+2500)
• Bob Melvin (+2500)
• Dusty Baker (+3800)
• Travis d’Arnaud (+6600)

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Based on how this organization has operated over the last 35 years, it’s no surprise that several of the favorites have Braves ties. But this is uncharted territory for Anthopoulos. Since taking over as general manager eight years ago, he’s never had to hire a manager. It’s a completely blank canvas, and nobody really knows what he’s thinking.

That won’t stop me from trying to take a peek inside the mind of Alex Anthopoulos. So let’s start by crossing off a few names.

For starters, there’s a zero percent chance the Braves turn back the clock and hire Fredi Gonzalez. He had his chance and failed miserably. I’m not even sure why he’s on this list at all, let alone near the top.

Tony Vitello is a fun, headline-grabbing idea. His track record at Tennessee has made him arguably the best college baseball coach in the country and a legitimate future MLB option if he ever chooses to make the jump. There’s upside with a young, fiery manager like Vitello, but it’s hard to see the Braves hiring an unproven college coach in the middle of a championship window.

Yadier Molina is another intriguing name, but he may be best suited to wait for the Cardinals job to open up. He spent his entire career in St. Louis and could soon find his way back there.

Candidates like George Lombard and Ryan Flaherty, on the other hand, deserve to be taken seriously. Both have ties to the Braves organization and have built strong reputations on successful major league staffs. Whether it’s Atlanta or elsewhere, their time is coming soon.

Mark DeRosa and David Ross will likely receive consideration as well, along with current Braves bench coach Walt Weiss. However, some of DeRosa’s recent comments about the Braves’ struggles this season have been off-base and a bit distasteful. I have a hard time seeing Anthopoulos going that route. As for Weiss, the fact that the Braves have given their entire coaching staff permission to explore other jobs feels like a pretty telling sign that they’re not planning to promote from within.

Which brings me to one long shot that makes a lot of sense: Bruce Bochy.

When you think about what the Braves should be prioritizing in their next manager, it comes down to one thing — winning. Nobody on this list has done more of that than Bochy, a four-time World Series champion.

Bochy recently parted ways with the Rangers after his contract expired at season’s end. Even after bringing Texas a championship just two years ago, the organization decided to go younger as they enter a mini retool built around emerging talent.

That’s not where the Braves are. It’s been championship or bust in Atlanta for the past six seasons, and that hasn’t changed just because of how 2025 played out. This roster is built to win right now, and they need someone who’s been there before.

Bochy probably wouldn’t have much interest in most of the current openings. But a potential marriage between the Braves and one of baseball’s all-time great managers? That would make a lot of sense for both sides.

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Photo: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire

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