Brian Snitker — Atlanta Braves
Snitker, the 2018 NL Manager of the Year, improved the Braves’ record in each of his first four years as manager, and Atlanta is one win away from winning the World Series in 2020. Snitker and his teammates found a way to win the one game that eluded them in ’20, defeating the Dodgers in Game 6 of the NLCS, and went on to defeat the Houston Astros in the World Series. Snitker has guided Atlanta to four consecutive division victories and is the favorite again in ’22.
Brian Snitker — Atlanta Braves
Dusty Baker — Houston Astros
Dusty Baker last coached before taking over for the fired AJ Hinch in 2017, when he guided the Nationals to a 97-win season. Baker’s previous four seasons as a manager had all ended with 90-97 wins. Baker’s biggest flaw is that he has never won it all. Fair or not, that is what he will be judged on in the end. Baker’s first year with the Astros saw his team end with a losing record (29-31)…only to reach Game 7 of the ALCS. Baker’s Astros won the American League Pennant last year before succumbing to Atlanta in the World Series.
Dusty Baker — Houston Astros