Atlanta extends GM, former Blue Jays exec Alex Anthopoulos's deal through 2031

Atlanta has agreed to a contract extension with general manager Alex Anthopoulos that will keep him with the six-time reigning National League East champions through the 2031 season.

The team announced the deal Friday, locking up the GM who oversaw a World Series championship in 2021 and has been responsible for securing long-term contracts with many of top players.

Anthopoulos was hired by Atlanta after the 2017 season, when the organization had endured four straight losing seasons and was mired in a scandal over international signings. His predecessor, John Coppolella, was initially banned for life by Major League Baseball, though the penalty was lifted a year ago.

With Anthopoulos at the helm, Atlanta began its run of division titles in 2018. This past season, the club won a big league-best 104 games before being knocked off for the second year in a row by Philadelphia in the NL Division Series.

Team CEO Terry McGuirk said the extension gives Anthopoulos "the runway to make long-term decisions and the opportunity to continue his track record of assembling teams that are perennial contenders."

"I have the utmost confidence in his ability to deliver championship baseball for our fans well into the future," McGuirk added.

"Alex and I have enjoyed a wonderful working relationship, and I look forward to that continuing for many years to come. I have been around this game a very long time and know that Alex's track record of success is truly something special. There is simply no one better in the business."

Anthopoulos, 46, thanked McGuirk "for his continued support and trust."

"The Braves are an incredible organization to be a part of, and I'm proud of the success we've achieved together," Anthopoulos said in a statement.