Braves GM Coppolella resigns following breach of signing rules

After two seasons at the helm, Atlanta Braves general manager John Coppolella resigned Monday amid an MLB investigation of the club circumventing international signing rules.

"Major League Baseball is investigating the matter with our full cooperation and support," Braves president John Hart said in the team statement. "We will not be issuing any further comment until the investigation is complete."

The Braves will immediately begin their search for Coppolella's replacement. In the meantime, Hart will perform the team's GM duties.

Gordon Blakeley, special assistant to the GM, was involved in the international signing issues and has also resigned, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

Coppolella joined the Braves before the 2007 season, and signed a four-year contract to become the team's general manager following the conclusion of the 2015 season.

Under Coppolella's watch, the Braves improved their farm system, most notably with the addition of Venezuelan prospect Ronald Acuna - who ranks as MLB's fifth-best prospect.