ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Braves have extended the contract of president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos through the 2031 season. The move comes as no surprise, given Anthopoulos’ impressive track record with the team. Braves CEO Terry McGuirk expressed confidence in Anthopoulos’ ability to lead the organization to continued success, stating, “There is simply no one better in the business.”
The seven-year extension is notable, as most contracts for baseball operations executives are typically three to five years in length. However, the Braves made the decision to reward Anthopoulos with a longer contract due to his success in developing and signing key players to team-friendly extensions. Under Anthopoulos’ leadership, the Braves have built an unparalleled young core that has propelled them to multiple postseason appearances.
Anthopoulos’ journey to the top of the baseball executive sphere started humbly. He began his career as an unpaid intern in the mail room of the Montreal Expos, eventually working his way up to become the general manager of the Toronto Blue Jays. After a short stint with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Anthopoulos was hired by the Braves as their general manager.
One of Anthopoulos’ most significant accomplishments with the Braves has been his ability to secure long-term deals with the team’s core players. He oversaw extensions for stars such as Ronald Acuna Jr., Ozzie Albies, and Austin Riley, ensuring their continued presence on the roster. The Braves have also found success in the draft under Anthopoulos’ watch, selecting promising young talent like Michael Harris II and Spencer Strider.
In addition to securing deals with key players, Anthopoulos has made impactful trades to bolster the Braves’ roster. The acquisitions of Matt Olson and Sean Murphy have proven to be particularly valuable, with both players signing long-term contracts after joining the team. Anthopoulos has also kept veteran pitcher Charlie Morton as a fixture in the rotation, providing stability and leadership to the pitching staff.
Under Anthopoulos’ leadership, the Braves achieved their crowning achievement in 2021 by winning the World Series. Despite recent playoff disappointments, the team has consistently won the NL East during his tenure. The contract extension ensures that Anthopoulos will have the opportunity to continue building championship-caliber teams in Atlanta for years to come.
The Braves’ decision to extend Alex Anthopoulos’ contract through the 2031 season reflects their confidence in his ability to lead the organization to continued success. Anthopoulos’ track record of success in both developing young talent and making impactful trades has positioned the Braves as perennial contenders. With a strong core of players and a long-term vision in place, the Braves are well-positioned to compete for championships in the future.