Braves: Alex Anthopoulos finishes as runner-up for Executive of the Year

Braves trade deadline

The MLB announced Tuesday that Cleveland’s Chris Antonetti won the Executive of the Year award as the Braves’ President of Baseball Operations, Alex Anthopoulos finished as the runner-up.

AA had some impressive moments this past year, including calling up Michael Harris II and Vaughn Grissom out of necessity. The Stockbridge native would likely win the NL Rookie of the Year award if it weren’t for Spencer Strider. Grissom came to Atlanta and balled out during the first month with the club; however, he cooled off considerably down the stretch.

Anthopoulos also had some rockstar trade deadline deals that included bringing Raisel Iglesias to Atlanta in exchange for Jesse Chavez and Tucker Davidson. Iglesias slotted in as the set-up man in front of Kenley Jasen, and all he did was post a 0.34 ERA over 26 innings pitched. AA had a few under-the-radar moves as well, like trading for Chavez at the beginning of the season, then flipping him and a prospect for the club’s future closer, only to bring him back to Atlanta after the Angels parted ways with the veteran.

You also can’t gloss over the fact that Anthopoulos inked several Braves stars to long-term deals. Austin Riley, Michael Harris II, Spencer Strider, and Matt Olson all signed lucrative contract extensions this year.

Antonetti is very deserving of the award, though. AA was considered gusty for bringing up and relying on two prospects, but Antonetti ended up having 17 players make their Major League debut this year en route to a 92-win season and a division title.

David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire

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