Skip to main content

    Potential candidates for Atlanta's open third-base coaching job

    With Ron Washington's departure to Los Angeles to coach the Angels, Atlanta has an opening to fill at the major league level

    With the departure of Atlanta Braves assistant and third base coach Ron Washington to be the new manager of the Los Angeles Angels, the Braves need to hire a new assistant for manager Brian Snitker's staff. 

    Who might Atlanta go after to fill their new third base vacancy? 

    If David Ross doesn't get another managerial job...

    Sep 15, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs manager David Ross (3) gets ready for a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field.

    Former Braves catcher David Ross, ousted just days ago as manager of the Chicago Cubs, is a logical candidate to join Brian Snitker's staff if he doesn't find another opportunity as a head man.

    Ross, who played in Atlanta from 2009-2012 while Snitker was 3rd base coach for manager Fredi González, has a pre-existing relationship with Snitker and would easily slot into the current coaching staff.

    Obviously, Ross's appeal as a manager candidate means this might not happen, but it'd make a lot of sense. 

    Matt Tuiasosopo's done the job as a fill-in

    Jul 28, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) reacts after being thrown out at second with third base coach Matt Tuiasosopo (93) against the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning at Truist Park.

    Tuiasosopo, former Mariners 3rd rounder who finished his professional baseball career with AAA Gwinnett in 2017, has been the manager of that same Gwinnett team for the last three seasons. 

    He filled in for Ron Washington at third base in late July as Washington was being inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, so he's already familiar to the Braves major league staff as well as some of the younger players on the roster.   

    Could Snit want to work with his son?

    Oct 29, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker (right) and Houston Astros hitting coach Troy Snitker (left) take a photo with Bonnie Snikker prior to game three of the 2021 World Series at Truist Park.

    Troy Snitker, hitting coach for the Houston Astros, was originally a member of the Braves organization - he was drafted as a catcher in 2011's 19th round, retiring prior to the 2014 season due to concussions. He's been with the Houston Astros organization since 2018, first as a minor league hitting coach (Corpus Christi Hooks) and then with the major league team for the last five seasons (2019-2023). 

    A year after facing off against his father in the 2021 World Series, Troy's Astros won 106 games and the 2022 World Series over the Philadelphia Phillies. 

    Could Snit want Eric Young to work with HIS son?

    Sep 24, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals first base coach Eric Young Jr. (12) and third baseman Carter Kieboom (8) react before the game against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park.

    Eric Young Jr, who beat the odds as a 30th rounder (Colorado Rockies, 2003) to have a ten year MLB career, spent one season as an assistant with AAA Tacoma (Mariners affiliate) before joining the Washington Nationals as first base coach, where he's been for the last two seasons. 

    There's no way Chipper would want the job, right?

    Apr 7, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Former Atlanta Braves third baseman Chipper Jones throws out the ceremonial first pitch before the game on Opening Day against the Cincinnati Reds at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

    The Braves legend and MLB Hall of Famer seems perfectly content with his hitting consultant gig - hang out and help hitters when they're struggling, watch games from his seats in Truist Park, and do the occasional broadcast with John Smoltz and Tom Glavine.

    But if he wanted the job, there's no reason he wouldn't be a serious candidate, right?  

    UPDATE: Atlanta losing additional coaches

    Per a report from baseball writer Bob Nightengale, Washington plans to take Eric Young Sr. with him as his third base coach. 

    Important Braves Today Offseason Stories
    2023 MLB Free Agent Rankings
    Current Atlanta Braves prospect rankings
    Current Atlanta Braves 40-man roster
    Key offseason dates for the Atlanta Braves
    2023 Atlanta Braves Club options
    Projecting the 2024 Atlanta Braves' arbitration salaries

    Check out Braves Today on Socials!
    Follow Braves Today on Twitter!
    Like Braves Today on Facebook!
    Check out the homepage for more Atlanta Braves News!
    Subscribe to Braves Today on YouTube!
    Get Exclusive Braves Merchandise from FOCO

    © 2024 ABG-SI LLC. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ABG-SI LLC. - All Rights Reserved. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. All betting content is intended for an audience ages 21+. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators’ opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. Gambling content intended for 21+. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.