The Braves’ 2021 division-title run was a story of perseverance and making the most of opportunities. Understandably, to general manager Alex Anthopoulos, it’s the most meaningful National League East title of the team’s past four.
“Not to take anything away from those other teams, but this is by far the most special title,” said Anthopoulos, who’s now 4-for-4 in winning division titles as the Braves’ head man.
To Anthopoulos’ credit, he had one of the best trade deadlines in recent memory for any club. His Braves flailed through most of the first half, treading water in MLB’s most mediocre division. They lost MVP candidate Ronald Acuna and outfielder Marcell Ozuna, along with numerous other injuries.
Anthopoulos then conducted his July to remember. He acquired outfielder Joc Pederson and catcher Stephen Vogt just before the second half began. He added outfielders Eddie Rosario, Adam Duvall and Jorge Soler, along with reliever Richard Rodriguez, on July 30 (deadline day).
Each player played a pivotal role in the Braves’ turnaround. Not long after the trade deadline, the Braves had a 9-0 road trip, surging well over .500 and taking sole possession of first place in the division. They never relinquished it.
“Winning a division is fantastic,” Anthopoulos said. “I don’t think I’ll ever not appreciate the grind of the six months and all the games. But under the circumstances of all we went through, I’d say it is the most rewarding year of my career.”
Credit to Anthopoulos, who substantially upgraded his team without parting with any key pieces or prospects. The Braves swept the Phillies, who’d been on their heels for the past six weeks, at Truist Park this week to mathematically wrap the race up.
With the Braves’ win Thursday, Anthopoulos said he had one more in-season deal to finish.
“We added an ice-cream machine in the clubhouse during the year, (first baseman) Freddie Freeman really wanted it, so we added a soft serve,” he said. “So I told him, I think it was June, we were going back and forth in texts, I said, ‘If we win this division, I’m getting one delivered to your house.’ I told him today, ‘You want it? We’ll get it delivered tomorrow. He said, ‘Nah, we’re OK, we’re OK.’ He said Charlie (Freeman’s son) would be really excited.”
Freeman will instead settle for another postseason appearance. He’ll hope this one culminates with the only missing piece of his resume: a World Series championship.
