The Mark Shapiro era in Toronto hasn’t yet officially begun, but it’s already included one major shakeup.
In a move that’s been called “stunning” by multiple analysts and outlets around baseball, Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos is reportedly turning down a multiyear contract extension and leaving the club.
Anthopoulos was the architect behind the Blue Jays’ resurgence, acquiring MVP candidate Josh Donaldson and catcher Russell Martin in the offseason and stars Troy Tulowitzki and David Price at the trade deadline. The Blue Jays ended a 22-year playoff drought and came two wins away from the World Series, eventually losing to Kansas City in the American League Championship Series.