The Atlanta Braves parted ways with general manager Frank Wren after a disappointing 2014 season, the team announced Monday. It's the first time the franchise, one of the great examples of organizational stability in professional sports, has dismissed a GM or manager since 1990.
Frank Wren fired by Atlanta Braves
The Braves last fired a GM or manager in 1990.
Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Wren was originally promoted to the GM role in 2007 after eight years working under John Schuerholz, who became the team’s president. The Braves struggled in their first year under Wren, but averaged roughly 91 wins and made three postseason appearances from 2009-13.
Frank Wren Fired
That period of success came to an end this year, as the Braves stumbled to a 76-79 record and failed to reach the playoffs. There was persistent criticism surrounding Wren as the team collapsed down the stretch, and on Sept. 21, Mark Bowman of MLB.com wrote of “growing reason to wonder about the futures” of Wren and manager Fredi Gonzalez.
The Braves finally pulled the trigger on that move Monday, setting the stage for an important offseason as the team reorganizes its leadership for the first time in years. Bowman previously reported that assistant GM John Coppolella would be the likely candidate to take over at interim GM while the team sorts things out, but for now, John Hart has been named the interim GM.
It’s unclear if Coppolella is a candidate for the full-time gig, but Royals GM Dayton Moore could be one candidate. Moore was mentored by Schuerholz in Atlanta before taking the gig in Kansas City eight years ago, and a reunion could be possible.
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