John Coppolella Named Braves General Manager: Latest Details, Comments, Reaction

After spending nine years in the Atlanta Braves front office, John Coppolella has been named the team's general manager. 

The Braves announced the move on Thursday.

According to Mark Bowman of MLB.com, Coppolella gains the official title of GM, even though he's basically been in the role since last September. 

"When the Braves dismissed Frank Wren as their GM on Sept. 21, 2014, they opted not to fill his position immediately," Bowman wrote. "[President of Baseball Operations John] Hart was given his current title and the assignment to help mold Coppolella as he served as an assistant GM, performing many of the same duties as a GM."

Bowman noted that Coppolella was the driving force last offseason behind trades involving Jason Heyward, Justin Upton, Craig Kimbrel, et al. 

Coppolella has clearly earned the trust of his bosses, as Hart told Bowman last November the new GM was one of the main reasons he wanted to work in Atlanta:

"

I think Coppy is a big reason why I took this job. I've had a lot of people in the [GM] family tree, if you will. I've had a lot of young guys who have come through the office [and become GMs]. Coppy is really good. I'm telling you, he is really good. I think you're going to see a young man who is really going to develop and grow.

"

Even though the Braves are enduring their worst season (64-94) since 1990, it's by design. Ownership slashed payroll in an effort to gain more flexibility heading into the 2017 season, when the team's new ballpark opens in Cobb County. 

Considering how long Coppolella has been with the Braves, no one knows the current talent and minor leaguers better than him. He's already shown an ability to be aggressive and bold with his moves, even if they aren't popular with the fanbase. 

Times will be tough for the Braves again in 2016, but Coppolella has talent like Freddie Freeman, Shelby Miller, Julio Teheran and Andrelton Simmons to build around. His biggest challenge will be getting the right young stars around those guys to return the franchise to prominence soon.