The Toronto Blue Jays’ magical redemption season ended at the conclusion of game six of the ALCS in Kansas City. Jays fans are left with mixed emotions after their team’s frustrating playoff exit, and the dismissal of beloved general manager Alex Anthopoulos shortly afterwards.
Anthopoulos turned down a reported five-year contract extension from newly appointed President and CEO of the organization, Mark Shapiro. Anthopoulos will pursue the open market after a six-year career as the Jays’ general manager and a tenure with the team dating back to 2003. Several high-profile transactions and a great conclusion to his career with the Blue Jays highlight a résumé that will serve Anthopoulos well as he moves forward.
A look back
From his MLB start as a scouting coordinator, Anthopoulos has had high hopes for the Blue Jays franchise. Anthopoulos began his GM tenure by trading Roy Halladay in 2009, possibly the best pitcher in franchise history. He then acquired superstar shortstop Jose Reyes from the Miami Marlins in 2012, an addition that brought tremendous buzz back to Canada’s baseball team. The Jays also acquired Cy Young pitcher RA Dickey in 2012, in exchange for several high-rated prospects sent over to the New York Mets.
Anthopoulos had a knack for trading the future for the now, and in 2015, this paid off in a memorable fashion. The Montreal native acquired superstar shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, signed free agent catcher Russell Martin, and traded for David Price, all of whom contributed to a team core that had World Series aspirations. By setting sights on the World Series, Anthopoulos had not only put together this team, but a nation. Baseball felt important again, something Canadian baseball fans had long awaited for 20 years.
A look forward
As the Blue Jays move into the next season, they will now carry heavy expectations on their shoulders. The Jays will be expected to make the playoffs once again and compete for a championship in 2016. Although Anthopoulos will no longer be with the Jays, he leaves them with his near-masterpiece of a team. The Jays have a solid core of players that can be built upon by Shapiro and the next general manager of the team. Jays fans will soon find out about any additions to be made this offseason, and it would not be unreasonable to believe that the team can get better. In conclusion, Anthopoulos’ departure will not change what the Blue Jays have built with their line-up, one that should continue to pay off for the franchise in the 2016 MLB season.
That does not mean, however, that Anthopoulos won’t be missed. Blue Jays fans will not soon forget the memorable scenes of Anthopoulos celebrating one of the most successful seasons in the history of the franchise with the players that produced it. Anthopoulos’ Canadian upbringing is also a trait that will be difficult to replicate when Shapiro and the Blue Jays search for his replacement.
Optimists and pessimists will debate the predicted impact of this loss, but what cannot be argued is the team that remains. The roster that fell in the ALCS is a good one, filled with depth and talent. Anthopolous will undoubtedly be missed, but his output will likely bring happier days to Canadian baseball fans in upcoming years.