As the Los Angeles Dodgers prepare to play in their second consecutive World Series, bench coach Danny Lehmann appears to be moving up the rankings to become the next manager of the Atlanta Braves.
Per MLB.com’s Mark Bowman, Lehmann’s candidacy has “seemingly strengthened” in recent weeks.
The Braves job came open on Oct. 1 when the club announced Brian Snitker, who had been their manager since May 2016, was stepping down and transitioning to an advisory role.
This is arguably the most desirable managerial opening in MLB right now. Spencer Strider, Ronald Acuña Jr., Austin Riley, Matt Olson, Spencer Schwellenbach, Drake Baldwin, Ozzie Albies and Michael Harris II are all under contract through at least the 2027 season.
Injuries took a significant toll on the team this season, contributing to their 76-86 record. Riley, Acuña and Sean Murphy combined to miss 188 games. Bryce Elder was their only pitcher to make at least 25 starts and throw 150 innings.
Atlanta’s farm system, which MLB.com ranked at No. 28 in a midseason update, does need an infusion of talent, but the big-league roster is so strong right now that the organization has time to build it back up while fielding a competitive team at the top level.
Bowman noted the list of potential Braves’ candidates has been dwindling recently, with David Ross, Mark DeRosa and John Gibbons not really considered strong options despite previously being mentioned as possibilities.
Lehmann has connections to Atlanta’s front office, particularly general manager Alex Anthopolous, that make him stand out. The 40-year-old began his coaching career as a video scout with the Dodgers in 2016 when Anthopolous was their vice president of baseball operations.
The Dodgers have kept Lehmann on staff for 10 seasons, including each of the past three seasons as bench coach for manager Dave Roberts.
