MLB RUMORS: Toronto Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos Turns Down Contract Extension; Won't Return in 2016

UPDATE: "The new offer from ownership and incoming president Mark Shapiro would take away the final say on player personnel moves," writes Richard Griffin of the Toronto Star.

-----

UPDATE: Here are official statements from the Blue Jays addressing Anthopoulos' decision to move on:

-----

The Toronto Blue Jays made the postseason for the first time since 1993 and it was all because general manager Alex Anthopoulos executed a string of historic moves prior to the MLB trade deadline.

Rumors now suggest the man who got them to the ALCS won't be there in 2016.

"Alex Anthopoulos is leaving the Toronto Blue Jays less than a week after the American League East champions were eliminated from the post-season, rejecting an extension to remain as general manager, according to multiple sources," writes Shi Davidi of Sportsnets.ca.

"While details are unclear at the moment, the issues leading to the split aren't thought to be financial."

Anthopoulos was not signed beyond 2015 and the team hired a new president back in August. The latest rumors touched upon the possibility of Anthopoulos not returning to Toronto despite the Blue Jays reaching the ALCS. Anthopoulos' series of deals that landed David Price, Troy Tulowitzki, Ben Revere, Mark Lowe and others, along with the moves he made last offseason, were the reason for that success.

Mark Shapiro, who officially took over as team president on Monday, could be the main reason for Anthopoulos not returning because it's possible he wants to install his own personnel to help facilitate his philosophy. There was also speculation that Anthopoulos would not have final say as general manager, which would be a key factor in him leaving.

The new reign under Shapiro may not only affect the GM position - it could affect other big names in the organization.

"The departure of Anthopoulos also raises questions about the fate of his top front office lieutenants, including longtime assistant GM Tony LaCava, as well as manager John Gibbons, who is under contract through 2016 and will have 2017 guaranteed and a club option for 2018 added if he makes it to Jan. 1."

It's crazy to think there may continue to be such significant changes in an organization that was a couple of wins away from the World Series.

Anthopoulos would be a hot candidate to land another GM job elsewhere, but unfortunately all the positions are filled throughout the MLB. It's possible he either takes the year off or works as a consultant in another front office and then hunts for a higher executive position next offseason (or whenever there's a big turnover).

Stay tuned for updates on Anthopoulos as well as the Blue Jays' general manager situation.

Whoever comes to Toronto next is going to have a lot of work to do.

Tags

Mlb rumors, Toronto blue jays, Gm, Contract extension, Return, 2016