Atlanta Braves fans should be disappointed in Alex Anthopoulos

Josh  Donaldson spurned the Atlanta Braves and signed with the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night and the disappointment in GM Alex Anthopoulos has set in.

Being a fan and being rational is a difficult balance to maneuver. Especially as an Atlanta Braves fan on a day like today.

Fans pour their heart and soul into their teams, which often leads to unrealistic expectations and “in the moment” reactions to wins or losses.

While sometimes it is difficult, I try really hard to stay rational when it comes to the Atlanta Braves. Rather than saying something off the cuff, I let things process and then re-evaluate the next day.

But in the case of the Atlanta Braves letting Josh Donaldson get away, the feelings are the same now (Wednesday morning) as they were Tuesday night.

Donaldson agreed to a four-year contract, with a fifth-year option/buyout worth up to $100 million with the Minnesota Twins and it felt like a Muhammed Ali left hook to everyone in Braves land.

My face is still in agony today from that vicious punch.

But to be clear, these feelings are not geared towards Donaldson, who was looking for the best contract he can find, since this will most likely be his last chance to cash in.

Disappointment, anger, and confusion are what I feel about Atlanta Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos today.

Throughout Anthopoulos’ time in Atlanta, I have supported every move he has or has not made. Whether it was trading for Kevin Gausman at the 2018 trade deadline or not giving in to the demands for J.T. Realmuto last offseason, I was onboard.

But this is different.

The window for the Braves to win a championship is now. The time to be aggressive is now. Being able to resign Donaldson would have allowed the Braves so much flexibility in the trade market this summer when they will presumably be in a pennant chase.

It would have crossed off the biggest hole currently on the roster, which is a cleanup hitter to protect Freddie Freeman.

Most in the industry thought Donaldson would want more than the $23 million he was paid last season, but it turns out he didn’t and therein lies the disappointment.

You should have forked over the money, Alex.

It has been said over and over that if the right player came along—one that would be the difference-maker in pushing the team over the top—then the Braves could go “shopping” there.

Donaldson is just that for the reasons stated above—he’s protection for Freeman and keeps the Braves prospect capital intact.

Perhaps Anthopoulos can make this right and find somebody comparable to Donaldson, but that person is not on the free agent market and those on the trade market will likely cost a ton.

If it’s possible to trust someone, yet still have doubts, that is kind of how my brain is functioning at the moment.

Anthopoulos’ history suggests he will figure something out, but losing out on a guy like Donaldson, when every indication suggests he was affordable and wanted to play in Atlanta, finally raises questions for me.

The next month is going to be the most crucial month in Anthopoulos’ tenure in Atlanta and he has his hands full in trying to replace Donaldson’s production.

This disappointed Braves fan does not envy him.

Best of luck, Alex.