This move from last summer might come back to harm the Braves

admin | February 28, 2024 | Other Clubs | No Comments

Alex Anthopoulos is one of the top general managers in all sports, including baseball.

Since he took over as general manager before the 2018 season, the Braves have won six consecutive division titles and a World Series, and they are better positioned for future success than any other franchise in the sport. It’s the golden era of baseball in Atlanta all over again, but that doesn’t mean Anthopoulos’ every decision has been successful for the organization.

Last summer, the Braves made a couple of unusual moves that don’t appear to be home runs. The most prominent acquisition was that of Sean Murphy. Last season, Murphy excelled for the Braves, especially in the first half. However, Anthopoulos traded William Contreras and other prospects. Contreras was already an All-Star catcher for the Braves before he joined the Brewers, where he led all catchers in fWAR in 2023.

It would be premature to conclude that the Braves lost the Murphy trade. It’s far too early to draw conclusions, but it’s possible they would have been better off simply riding with Contreras rather than making a big move. Having said that, no one is dissatisfied with Murphy’s long-term presence in Atlanta; the other move Alex Anthopoulos made last summer is far more perplexing.

Anthopolous traded for Joe Jimenez from the Tigers, sending highly regarded outfield prospect Justin-Henry Malloy to Detroit, rather than spending money on the open market to strengthen the Braves’ bullpen.

Jimenez, like Murphy, performed admirably for the Braves last season. By the conclusion of the year, he became one of Brian Snitker’s most reliable bullpen weapons, but it came at a high cost for a reliever in his final contract year.

Malloy had been probably the Braves’ top position player prospect during a fantastic 2022 season, and he’s done nothing but impress since the trade. Malloy hit a career-high 23 home runs and reached base at a.417 rate in 135 games with the Tigers’ AAA affiliate, giving him an OPS of nearly.900. He seems like a typical major-leaguer and may have been the Braves’ long-term answer in left field.

The Braves can feel a little better about the trade because they were able to re-sign Jimenez to a three-year deal this offseason. It doesn’t matter how you cut it. Trading a potential daily player before he reaches the majors for a rental reliever is bad business. If Malloy’s performance continues at the next level, it could be regarded as the worst move of Alex Anthopoulos’ career as Braves general manager.