Braves' GM Alex Anthopoulos could end $35M fan favorite's tenure in true heartbreaking fashion

Braves’ GM Alex Anthopoulos could end $35M fan favorite’s tenure in true heartbreaking fashion originally appeared on The Sporting News

The Atlanta Braves have had a lackluster season, and this offseason is expected to be full of roster moves—something that has held the team back this year due to a lack of depth at times.

“Brian Snitker is the last of the Braves’ worries, and his track record of success has earned him a lot of good grace with the organization. If he really has a desire to manage again in 2026, it’s hard to see a world where the Braves say, ‘Good riddance,’” wrote Sportstalk ATL’s Chase Irle. “If blame must be assigned, it’s hard to ignore the offseason decisions of general manager Alex Anthopoulos. Atlanta entered 2025 with glaring needs at shortstop, in the rotation, bullpen, and outfield — and none were adequately addressed.”

On Monday night, the Braves set MLB history with a nine-game win streak. However, Ozzie Albies suffered a fracture in his wrist.

“Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies left Monday’s game against the Washington Nationals due to a fractured hamate bone in his left hand. Albies showed discomfort in his wrist after fouling off a pitch in the third inning while batting against Washington right-hander Konnor Pilkington,” ESPN reported.

This injury could very well mark the end of Albies’ time in a Braves uniform, especially after comments GM Alex Anthopoulos made earlier this month.

“With all these options (on players), we always make the decision at the end of the year — you have five days after the World Series, and that’s when you make the decision. It’s just, things can happen, things change. You always wait,” Anthopoulos said.

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If this is the end, it would be one of the more heartbreaking ways to go out. Albies has won a World Series with the franchise and grown up as a Brave.

However, the Braves have parted ways with fan favorites over the years, so this wouldn’t exactly be a shock. While this may not be the end for Albies as a Brave, the uncertainty certainly makes it seem like it very well could be.