MLB rumors: Which general manager jobs could be in jeopardy in 2023?

Jun 20, 2023; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman on the field during batting practice before a game against the Seattle Mariners at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 20, 2023; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman on the field during batting practice before a game against the Seattle Mariners at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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Billy Eppler at the signing of Justin Verlander. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Billy Eppler at the signing of Justin Verlander. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

NL East

Atlanta Braves: Under Alex Anthopoulos, the Braves won the World Series two years ago. They could very easily repeat in 2023. Expect an extension offer for Anthopoulos, whose contract expires at the end of 2024. The only question then will be whether he takes that extension or makes himself a free agent.

Miami Marlins: Hired in 2021, Kim Ng is doing what many thought impossible, making the small-market Marlins relevant in the NL East. Miami is in contention for a Wild Card berth.

From the standpoint of Ng’s future, the outcome in 2023 really doesn’t matter. She’s secure.

New York Mets: Billy Eppler’s five seasons running the Angels (2016-20) were undistinguished, and that fact alone made it a bit surprising when team owner Steve Cohen announced Eppler’s hiring as general manager prior to the 2022 season.

Cohen gave Eppler a four-year guarantee through 2025, which ought to provide some security. But the mega-disappointing 2023 season, which featured Eppler basically throwing Cohen’s money away at aging underperforming talent, could call that relationship into question.

The most likely scenario is that Eppler will survive 2023 and be dumped at the end of 2024, but with the Mets nothing would be a surprise.

Philadelphia Phillies: President Dave Dombrowski has a contract running through 2027, so unless a health scare intervenes he’s solid. Given the way the team has performed (with that 2022 NL championship and a contending position this year) so is general manager Sam Fuld, who’s under contract through 2025.

Washington  Nationals: Mike Rizzo has been running the Nationals for the Lerner family for more than a  decade. He now works on a contract that expires at season’s end and has not been renewed.

That suggests change could be in the wind. At the same time, Rizzo built up a lot of capital with the Lerners by bringing home a 2019 World Series win, and his farm system ranks among the game’s 10 best. He’s also at an age (62) where retirement could be an option. In short, an extension and a change are both possibilities.