The Braves have never been an emotional organization when it comes to business dealings. Alex Anthopoulos made that abundantly clear shortly after putting together the first World Series team in Atlanta since 1995.
After they raised the Commissioner’s Trophy, a lockout ensued while the face of the franchise entered free agency. Many believed the Braves would just re-sign Freddie Freeman. Of all the cogs in Atlanta’s machine, the veteran first baseman was by far the most critical; at least, that was the thought.
Anthopoulos shocked the entire MLB world when he elected not to give into Freeman’s contractual demands by way of announcing a trade for Matt Olson, effectively ending Freeman’s 12-year career in Atlanta. It showed that no matter who you are to the organization, no individual is greater than the overall Atlanta Braves brand.
It’s been a consistent theme since Alex Anthopoulos led the Braves to a championship. First, it was Freddie Freeman. Then, it was Dansby Swanson. Most recently, Atlanta fans said goodbye to Max Fried and Charlie Morton. Now, there are only five players left from the 2021 World Series roster — Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley, Ian Anderson, Orlando Arcia, and Dylan Lee.
The Braves have always had a process, and they’ve stuck to it. It’s all about value for Alex Anthopoulos. Generally speaking, if a player reaches free agency, they’re more than likely to leave; even Chipper Jones said as much.
“Well, I was lucky that I never got to a Spring Training of a free agent year that I wasn’t extended. I’m a firm believer that the grass is not always greener on the other side. I feel like whoever leaves the Braves clubhouse for free agency is not coming back. Once you’re courted by all the pretty girls in free agency, meaning big market teams, and guys realize how much more money they can make in big market teams, the Braves cannot compete,” Jones said on Foul Territory.
“I did not want to even have that temptation. I had Bobby Cox, I had John Schuerholz. I had a great roster throughout my whole career. I knew we were going to be competitive. I would have done anything, especially take a little less money to ensure my future and be competitive here in Atlanta,” Jones added.
While some fans take issue with the way Anthopoulos operates, it’s proven to work. Since 2018, the Braves own the third-best record in baseball, six NL East titles, two MVPs, a Cy Young, two Rookies of the Year, and a World Series. I’d say Alex Anthopoulos is doing a pretty damn good job.
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