I don't know how much of an asset AA is. He seems to be great at contract negotiations, but that's really the only thing he does well. Considering payroll and relative strength of the division, a good GM would have this team as a prime contender by now. 2 years after the disastrous Marlins/Mets trades, we're hoping to nab a WC.
Call me cynical. I've also heard stories of AA and his constant need to hire as many old school scouty former GMs as possible to bounce things off of. This likely lead to keeping Sanchez over Syndergaard, letting d'Arnaud go, etc. He surrounds himself with the wrong type of people, and it is concerning. He's not Ruben Amaro but he sure isn't Theo or Friedman. He's just a guy.