The Los Angeles Dodgers have set the gold standard for Major League Baseball success over the past decade-and not just on the field. While their three World Series titles in the 2020s speak volumes, the organization’s sustained dominance has been built just as much in the front office as it has been in the batter’s box or on the mound.
At the heart of that success has been a deep and talented brain trust led by president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman. Under his leadership, the Dodgers have become not only a powerhouse in player development and analytics but also a breeding ground for future executives. Teams across the league have taken notice, often raiding the Dodgers’ front office in search of the next great architect to lead their own rebuilds or retools.
Now, another key piece of that front office is on the move. Josh Byrnes, who has served as the Dodgers’ senior vice president of baseball operations since 2014, is heading to Colorado to take over as the Rockies’ new general manager. He’ll work under president of baseball operations Paul DePodesta, as the Rockies look to chart a new course with an experienced hand at the wheel.
Byrnes is no stranger to the general manager’s chair. He previously held the role with both the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres, giving him a wealth of experience within the NL West. In fact, with this move to Colorado, Byrnes has now led baseball operations for three of the five teams in the division-only the San Francisco Giants remain unchecked on his NL West résumé.
During his 11-year run with the Dodgers, Byrnes played a pivotal role in shaping one of the most dominant stretches in franchise history. Since his first year in 2015, the Dodgers have posted MLB’s best record, captured eight division titles, won five National League pennants, and hoisted the Commissioner’s Trophy three times-in 2020, 2024, and 2025. Byrnes oversaw scouting and player development during that time, a critical component of the Dodgers’ ability to blend homegrown stars with savvy trades and big-ticket free agents.
This isn’t the first time Byrnes has drawn interest from around the league. Earlier this year, the Washington Nationals reached out to him about their GM vacancy.
He was also in the mix for the Detroit Tigers’ president of baseball operations job before they ultimately hired Scott Harris. The Boston Red Sox, where Byrnes once served as assistant GM, also considered bringing him back in a larger role.
Byrnes’ journey through the baseball executive ranks dates back to the mid-1990s. He got his start with the then-Cleveland Indians, working as an advanced scout before rising to director of scouting. From there, he made his first stop in Colorado as an assistant GM in the late '90s, then moved on to Boston, where he helped the Red Sox capture the 2004 World Series title.
Originally from Washington, D.C., Byrnes played his college ball at Haverford College in Pennsylvania, where he still holds school records in home runs and RBIs.
Now, he returns to Colorado, this time in the GM seat, with the challenge of helping the Rockies find their footing in a division that’s been dominated by his former employer. If his track record in L.A. is any indication, the Rockies are getting a seasoned executive who knows how to build-and sustain-a winning culture.