Alex Anthopoulos built the Toronto Blue Jays into a playoff team and a World Series contender this season, but the 38-year-old general manager won't stick around to see it through.
According to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet on Oct. 29, the Montreal native rejected a contract extension and will not be back with the Jays in 2016. That report was later confirmed by Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.
Continue for updates.
Anthopoulos Comments on Potential Return to Blue Jays
Sunday, Nov. 8
"No, I say that in a respectful way....I just didn't feel it was the right fit," said Anthopoulos of a return to Toronto on Front Office with ESPN's Jim Bowden and MLB Network's Jim Duquette, per MLB Network Radio, which provided additional statements:
The hardest thing was walking away from staff. Not the money, the years, or the GM title. It was the people you work with everyday.
Had great discussions with Mark [Shapiro]. I think Mark & ownership will continue to take this thing to new heights.
No truth that Shapiro was critical of the deals made and that was probably the upsetting part, but understand the way it looks.
When asked if he would be open to becoming the general manager of another club, Anthopoulos said: "Certainly not in the near term. Going forward, I would be open to it. I don't know I need to do it again."
Anthopoulos Leaves Blue Jays
Thursday, Oct. 29
Blue Jays president Paul Beeston confirmed the news in a statement:
Toronto Blue Jays @BlueJaysStatement from Paul Beeston regarding Alex Anthopoulos
Blue Jays chairman Edward Rogers also released a statement on Anthopoulos' exit:
Alex has done a terrific job as GM of the Blue Jays over the past six seasons, and we would have loved it if he stayed with the club. Like the fans, we too are disappointed he has chosen not to accept our five-year contract offer, but we wish him the very best. Alex leaves behind an outstanding front office team and coaching staff that played a key role in shaping the team's great run this season. They will continue to operate in leadership roles next year as we look to build upon the team's success. We remain committed to putting a winning team on the field and look forward to man more exciting seasons for the Blue Jays.
"I just didn't feel like this was a right fit for me going forward," Anthopoulos said, per Brendan Kennedy of the Toronto Star. "I can't stress enough that this was handled exceptionally well. ... I know it's not an easy day for anybody. ... I own this decision."
Per Rosenthal, Anthopoulos was offered a long-term deal, and his decision to leave is not related to money or the length of the contract. Rosenthal believes Anthopoulos' departure has to do with the arrival of former Cleveland Indians president Mark Shapiro as Toronto's team president.
Rick Westhead of TSN reported Thursday Shapiro "scolded" Anthopoulos and the Blue Jays staff "for trading so many top prospects this [year]" in their first and only meeting together.
According to Jays play-by-play announcer Mike Wilner, there is no indication Anthopoulos left for another job because no positions of note are currently open. Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun reported Anthopoulos wanted the full responsibilities of a general manager and recently told Simmons that "he wouldn't stay under conditions less than that."
On Friday, Rosenthal reported the team's five-year offer gave Anthopoulos the "right to opt out after one year if relationship with Shapiro was not working." Rosenthal added the fact Anthopoulos said no "reinforces how uncomfortable he was with Shapiro, for whatever reasons."
Anthopoulos, who took over as GM in 2009, led Toronto to the American League East title and the postseason for the first time since 1993.
He did so largely due to a bevy of pre-deadline deals that landed the Jays the likes of starting pitcher David Price, shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and outfielder Ben Revere. He also acquired third baseman and potential AL MVP Josh Donaldson in an offseason trade with the Oakland Athletics.
After building such a strong roster, Anthopoulos expressed his love for Toronto, although he didn't push for an extension through media channels, per Davidi: "All I can say is I love being here, I love Toronto, I've always maintained that, and that's probably as far as I'd go with that."
Even though every MLB general manager position is filled, Anthopoulos figures to be a hot commodity due to the turnaround he orchestrated in Toronto.
He should catch on immediately in another front office if he so chooses, but he could also opt to sit and wait for an ideal position to open up, as he would likely be among the top choices.
As for the Blue Jays, they still have a great roster in place and a chance to make a run next year after reaching the American League Championship Series this season, but a lack of continuity and a change in philosophy in the front office could knock the organization's ascent off track.
