Eleven and a half months ago, the Braves announced that they had extended the contract of manager Fredi Gonzalez, but terms of the deal were not disclosed. Now, however, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports that Gonzalez signed a one-year extension, meaning he’s entering the final season of his contract (all Twitter links).
Rosenthal adds that while the Braves’ chances of posting a strong record are slim given their offseason rebuild, Gonzalez may still be an extension candidate, as he has strong support from both Bobby Cox and president John Schuerholz. However, an extension isn’t likely until the club determines whether or not he fits in with the new leadership dynamic that is in place under president of baseball operations John Hart.
Gonzalez, 51, has managed the Braves to a 358-290 record in his four seasons as manager and owns a lifetime 634-569 record between Atlanta and Miami. He’ll be tasked with leading a new-look coaching staff that has added the likes of Bo Porter (third base coach) and Kevin Seitzer (hitting coach). Word of a possible extension for Gonzalez will draw ire from some Braves fans, as Gonzalez has become somewhat of a polarizing figure among the Atlanta fan base; many felt that he should have been dismissed alongside now-former GM Frank Wren, who was fired in late September. The Braves started out strongly in 2014, posting a 52-43 record in the first half before limping to a 27-40 finish following the All-Star break.
