Braves Manager Search: Latest News, Rumors, Speculation Surrounding Position

In the wake of the Atlanta Braves firing manager Fredi Gonzalez on Tuesday, Bud Black has emerged as a top option to replace him.

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Latest on Black's Candidacy

Wednesday, May 18

According to ESPN Podcasts, Bob Nightengale of USA Today called Black the "clear favorite" to take over in Atlanta.

Gonzalez was let go after leading the Braves to an MLB-worst 9-28 start this season, per ESPN.com.

Brian Snitker is serving as the Braves' interim manager, but Black could potentially be a long-term option.

The 58-year-old served as San Diego Padres manager from 2007 until getting fired after a 32-33 start last season.

Black went 649-713 with the Padres and never qualified for the playoffs, but he was named the 2010 National League Manager of the Year.

Although Black is a special assistant with the Los Angeles Angels, Jon Morosi of Fox Sports reported he can leave at any time for a managerial position.

Atlanta is the worst team in Major League Baseball, which was to be expected after it gutted the roster over the past couple of seasons.

Gonzalez went 434-414 in five-plus with the Braves but hadn't reached the playoffs since 2013.

While Black's resume doesn't suggest that a postseason berth is in Atlanta's near future should it hire him, nobody expects the organization to make a quick turnaround.

The Braves are seemingly at least a couple of years away from being competitive while they wait for their prospects to develop.

Black often found himself in a similar situation while with the Padres, so his experience with a rebuilding club could make him a logical fit.

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