The 2025 MLB season has barely begun, and the Philadelphia Phillies couldn't have asked for a better start. Even though it's a small sample size, the Phillies opened the new campaign with a 3-1 record, leaving them to occupy the NL East's No. 1 spot during Tuesday's off-day.
As promising as things look now, there's plenty of time for the Phillies' situation to change. They must continue racking up wins against their NL East rivals to solidify their lead, and their next opportunity to do so will come during next week's three-game series against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park.
Having said that, the Braves are off to a shockingly slow start to the season. If things don't change, there's a good chance that their manager might be inclined to call it a career now more than ever.
Braves Manager Brian Snitker Considering Retirement
Last weekend, Snitker spoke with USA Today's Bob Nightengale amid the final year of his managerial contract. Even though he's close to celebrating his 50th anniversary with the organization, the 69-year-old skipper made it clear that he isn't ready to commit to another season with the Phillies' rival just yet.
"I still feel really good," Snitker said. “The 50-number is something I think it’d be kind of cool. But right now, I’m leaning towards getting through today. We'll play it by ear and see what happens."
Bruce Bochy, Brian Snitker focused on 2025, not MLB managerial futures https://t.co/bsl38HUGWa
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) March 31, 2025
It's hard to remember a time when Snitker wasn't in the Braves dugout while going up against the Phillies. The Decatur, IL native worked as a coach with Atlanta across three separate stints (1985, 1988-90, 2007-13) and has been the club's manager since the 2016 campaign, winning six NL East titles and a World Series ring since then.
The Phillies are also only 71-79 against the Braves during Snitker's managerial run. In other words, Philadelphia fans can't wait for someone else to be behind Atlanta's bench.
Even though there's plenty of time for Snitker to decide on his future, the Braves continuing to struggle could make his decision easier. As much as he loves baseball, he's going to be 70 years old by the time the playoffs begin, which is the stage of his life when he should be enjoying the fruits of his labor rather than helping a team that might be destined for a rebuild.
Fortunately, Snitker and the Braves' 0-5 start to the season is having a positive effect on the Phillies' divisional outlook. As of Tuesday, Philadelphia is FanDuel Sportsbook's +120 odds-on favorite to win the NL East in 2025.
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