Braves name Chad MacDonald as Special Assistant to General Manager

Atlanta Braves President of Baseball Operations John Hart announced today that Chad MacDonald has been named as Special Assistant to the General Manager. MacDonald will be involved in all facets of the Braves' scouting efforts, including amateur, international and professional scouting.

"We're excited to add Chad to our front office staff," Hart said. "He is an excellent evaluator and has great instincts. As an executive, he has filled a variety of roles in his career and he will contribute in many ways in the Braves organization."

MacDonald, who has worked 22 seasons in Major League Baseball, previously served three seasons (2012-14) as vice president/assistant general manager of player personnel for the San Diego Padres. 

Prior to joining the Padres in November 2011, MacDonald spent one year as the New York Mets' director of scouting. He served as assistant scouting director and director of international scouting for the Arizona Diamondbacks from 2006 through the 2010 season.

His career also includes six years as a scout with the Cleveland Indians and Los Angeles Angels organizations. MacDonald was honored as Topps' Scout of the Month for each organization during the 2001 and 2005 seasons.

A native of Arlington, Texas, MacDonald played four years of college baseball, attending both Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas, and Winthrop University in Rock Hill, S.C. He began his front office career in 1993 with the Texas Rangers.