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2020 MLB GM Ratings: The National League East

By Bill Felber

COLLEGE PARK, MD - JANUARY 18: Washington Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo holds the World Series trophy during the game between the Maryland Terrapins and the Purdue Boilermakers at Xfinity Center on January 18, 2020 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images)
COLLEGE PARK, MD - JANUARY 18: Washington Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo holds the World Series trophy during the game between the Maryland Terrapins and the Purdue Boilermakers at Xfinity Center on January 18, 2020 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

MLB GM Ratings: Alex Anthopoulos, president of baseball operations; +0.8 games.

In their totality, Anthopoulos’ contributions to the Braves’ success were relatively modest. But in the indifferent atmosphere that pervaded much of the National League, and specifically the NL East, modest success was more than good enough.

There were three headline-grabbing moves, and they basically neutralized each other.

The Braves lost Josh Donaldson to free agency, a departure that looked more significant than it turned out to be when Donaldson hit just .222 for his new team, the Minnesota Twins. Statistically, the more significant loss was Dallas Keuchel, who left for Chicago’s South Side and piled up a 6-2 record and 1.99 ERA.

After they lost Donaldson, the Braves signed Marcell Ozuna to a one-year, $18 million deal and he led the league in home runs and RBIs. The 1.8 Wins Above Average Ozuna generated offset the combined 1.7 WAA produced by Donaldson and Keuchel for their new teams.

Over the course of the full off-season and season, Anthopoulos made 38 personnel moves affecting the team’s 2020 talent base. Those 38 included 14 signed as free agents. Beyond Ozuna’s +1.8, the other 13 included significant bullpen help. Tyler Matzek made 21 appearances that added up to +0.7. Chris Martin added 19 appearances and +0.9.

Here is the annual short-term performance rating of the Braves front office since Anthopoulos was appointed president and GM prior to the 2018 season:

  • 2018:     +  3.5
  • 2019:     +15.1*
  • 2020:     +  0.8

*This was a greater improvement than the margin by which the Braves qualified for post-season play.

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