Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman was voted the 2020 MLB Executive of the Year, becoming the third-ever recipient of the honor.
Billy Beane of the Oakland Athletics won the award in its inaugural year (after the 2018 season), and Tampa Bay Rays general manager Erik Neander received it last season. Neander finished third in voting this year, and Chicago White Sox general manager Rick Hahn was runner-up to Friedman.
Executive of the Year was voted on by all 30 clubs prior to the start of the postseason. Friedman was recognized for assembling a Dodgers roster that finished with the best record (43-17) and won an eighth consecutive National League West title.
Only the Atlanta Braves (14, 1991-2005) and New York Yankees (nine, 1998-2006) have enjoyed longer reigns over a division in MLB history.
In addition to sitting atop the standings, the Dodgers led the Majors with 118 home runs, 349 runs scored, a plus-136 run differential, 3.02 team ERA, 1.06 WHIP and .213 opponents’ batting average.
The Dodgers became the 10th team since the World Series era began in 1903 with a run differential greater than 100 through 40 games. Including L.A., all 10 of those clubs went on to reach the World Series and eight won it.
The Dodgers own a .606 winning percentage (528-343) through Friedman’s six seasons overseeing the team, and they have not only assembled a juggernaut at the Major League level, but also maintained a top farm system.
It’s amounted to young talent making an impact on the Dodgers roster and also afforded Friedman the luxury of trading for marquee talent, most notably Mookie Betts. He was acquired from the Boston Red Sox — along with David Price — prior to the start of Spring Training this year, and ultimately proved key in the Dodgers winning the first World Series since 1988.
During an introductory press conference for the two All-Stars, Friedman called Betts the best player he likely ever will have acquired via trade. There was some risk involved as Betts was entering the final year of his contract, but he wound up signing a record-setting extension.
Friedman’s goals for Dodgers
As the Dodgers went into the offseason as champions, Friedman identified wanting to add more diversity to the bullpen and a right-handed hitting position player to the lineup as focal points.
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