I’ve always had a fascination for “being the GM” in Major League Baseball! Back in the day we actually operated a website called “Cardinals GM” where we played the role of general manager for the St. Louis Cardinals. I admit, the Cardinals have not always had the best GMs in baseball history, but we digress…
That site is now history, but role of the general manager (GM) in baseball has become increasingly crucial. These masterminds are tasked with navigating the complexities of player transactions, contract negotiations, and crafting a winning team.
As we begin the 2024 season, let’s take a deep dive into the best GMs in the MLB who have made their mark on the game.
Alex Anthopoulos – GM of the Atlanta Braves
Alex Anthopoulos, a baseball fixture who started his career with the Montreal Expos, has solidified his position as the top GM in the game. Anthopoulos made a name for himself as one of the best general managers with the Toronto Blue Jays, going all out to land the then-teenage talent in Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
With the Atlanta Braves, Anthopoulos has showcased his ability to build a perennial contender through savvy international signings and aggressive trades. His knack for negotiating team-friendly, long-term deals has secured the Braves’ core for years to come. With six straight division titles and a World Series championship under his belt, Anthopoulos’ recent seven-year extension is a testament to his success.
After being treated like royalty following his World Series win, Alex showed his appreciation by saying…
“Just the love you feel from fans is like the greatest baseball moment of my life.”
Mike Elias – GM of the Baltimore Orioles
Mike Elias, an Ivy League graduate with limited playing experience, has orchestrated one of the most impressive rebuilds in recent memory. Inheriting a struggling Baltimore Orioles team, Elias leveraged premium draft positions to acquire blue-chip prospects like Grayson Rodriguez, Adley Rutschman, and Jackson Holliday. His patient approach paid off in 2023 when the Orioles claimed their first division title since 2014.
With a deep farm system and financial flexibility, Elias is poised to transform the Orioles into a perennial powerhouse in the competitive AL East. Mike Elias makes our list of best MLB GMs.
Chris Young – GM of the Texas Rangers
Chris Young, a former MLB pitcher, brings a unique perspective to his role as GM of the Texas Rangers. After a challenging start, Young’s aggressive signings of Corey Seager and Marcus Semien laid the foundation for the Rangers’ resurgence.
In 2023, his strategic blend of veterans and young talent propelled the team to its first World Series championship. Young’s ability to attract top free agents and develop homegrown talent has positioned the Rangers for sustained success in the years to come.
Erik Neander – GM of the Tampa Bay Rays
Erik Neander’s tenure with the Tampa Bay Rays is a testament to the power of innovation and resourcefulness. Despite consistently fielding one of the lowest payrolls in baseball, Neander has led the Rays to five consecutive postseasons, a pennant, and the fourth-best record in MLB. His ability to identify and develop pitching talent is unparalleled, and the Rays’ unique strategies, such as utilizing openers, have revolutionized the game.
As the team prepares to move into a new stadium in 2028, Neander’s cost-effective approach may give way to a more financially aggressive strategy.
Mike Hazen – GM of the Arizona Diamondbacks
Mike Hazen’s journey from an intern with the Cleveland Indians to the GM of the Arizona Diamondbacks is a testament to his talent evaluation skills. While his draft record has been hit-or-miss, Hazen’s ability to rebuild the Diamondbacks on a modest budget is commendable.
The emergence of Corbin Carroll, the 2019 16th overall pick and 2023 Rookie of the Year, highlights Hazen’s eye for talent. Speaking of Carroll, do you think he will end up on the best Right Fielders in baseball conversation when it’s all said and done?
Hazen also had a bold trade deadline acquisition of Paul Sewald that signaled a new era for the Diamondbacks, culminating in a World Series appearance. With a young, talented core in place, Hazen has positioned the team for sustained success in the competitive NL West.
The Importance of a Skills in Our Best GMs in Baseball
The best GMs in baseball featured in this article have demonstrated their ability to navigate the game’s complexities, whether it’s through identifying and developing young talent, making bold trades, or attracting top free agents.
Their success inspires passionate fanbases who dream of seeing their team reach the pinnacle of the sport. If you’re looking to take that passion to the next level, consider where to bet on World Series or regular season games and add an extra layer of excitement to your fandom.
In the modern era of baseball, where analytics and data-driven decisions reign supreme, the role of the GM in baseball has evolved significantly. No longer solely focused on player transactions, today’s MLB GMs must possess a diverse skill set encompassing talent evaluation, financial acumen, and long-term strategic planning.
