Angels Learning the Hard Way That Emulating the Braves Isn’t a Shortcut to Success
It’s common for MLB teams to try to mimic successful franchises, and with the Atlanta Braves becoming a blueprint for sustainable winning, several organizations have followed their lead. But no team has more obviously and unsuccessfully tried to copy the Braves than the Los Angeles Angels.
The connection makes some sense on the surface: Angels GM Perry Minasian was part of Atlanta’s front office before taking over in Los Angeles in 2021. Naturally, some influence from his time with the Braves was expected. However, the Angels’ efforts have gone far beyond that and it’s not working.
According to The Athletic’s Sam Blum, the Angels’ approach has included trades with Atlanta, hiring former Braves coaches like Ron Washington and Eric Young Sr., and implementing front office philosophies heavily based on the Braves’ model. Former Angels manager Joe Maddon even remarked that many changes were simply based on, “We did it this way with the Braves.”
The problem? Recreating Atlanta’s success isn’t as easy as copying their methods. The Braves built their powerhouse through a series of well-executed draft picks, international signings, and trades — a delicate balance that’s incredibly difficult to replicate. The Angels, despite acquiring some promising young talent, lack a solid foundation beyond an aging and frequently injured Mike Trout.
Compounding the issue is ownership. Arte Moreno’s unwillingness to invest in modern development systems or significantly upgrade the pitching staff continues to hold the team back. While Atlanta’s ownership has empowered GM Alex Anthopoulos to build a long-term winner, Moreno’s tight control has stunted the Angels’ progress.
As long as Atlanta remains a model franchise, others will continue to chase their formula. But for the Angels, their attempt to become “Atlanta West” has so far exposed deeper organizational issues rather than fixed them.
