After a slow start, the MLB offseason has recently picked up steam, culminating yesterday with the Yankees’ late-night acquisition of Juan Soto. The Braves have done a lot since the end of the season, most notably fortifying the bullpen with multiple additions, but there are still a few things that need to be done as Alex Anthopoulos works around the clock to fill the rest of the roster’s deficiencies.
Most are hoping Anthopoulos has at least one more huge move under his sleeve, and I expect it will happen soon, but there are only three things I need to see before the 2024 campaign begins.
Everyone is waiting to see who the Braves add to their rotation, whether through a trade or free agency. They’ve been connected to major players like Tyler Glasnow and Dylan Cease, two frontline starters who might be dealt before the season starts. They’ve also been linked to a slew of free agent starting pitchers, several of whom are still on the market.
I’m not going to hold my breath on a blockbuster signing or trade. I do think one will come eventually, but the Braves don’t have endless gobs of money to spend like some other teams. One massive misstep could really affect them down the road. They’ve been patient to this point, and I think that’s going to continue. When the right guy becomes available, they’re going to throw him the bag. I’m just not sure that’s going to happen this offseason.
With that being said, adding at least one more starter feels like a must. It doesn’t have to be a marquee name, but one more starter, particularly one with some upside, could really stabilize this group.
It’s the season of giving, right? Well, let’s hope Alex Anthopoulos is feeling extra jolly this holiday season, because there are a couple of guys I would love to see extended this offseason. The Braves have been masters in this area, and the announcements always come out of nowhere and are incredibly unpredictable. I have a feeling we are going to get another one of those patented blue squares before the start of next season with a message that reads, “(insert player name) has also agreed to donate 1% of his salary to The Atlanta Braves Foundation.”
The obvious candidate is Max Fried. He’s been the ace of the Braves staff for nearly half a decade, and everyone would like him to remain with the organization for life. However, if we’ve learned anything from the contract negotiations of Freddie Freeman and Dansby Swanson, that may not be likely to happen.
One name that I haven’t heard mentioned much in terms of these discussions is A.J. Minter. The guy has been absolutely lights out for the Braves as their set-up man and is entering the last year of his deal. He’s certainly a player I could see receiving a contract extension any day now.
Some other candidates to consider — Ronald Acuña Jr. and Ozzie Albies. Sure, their contracts aren’t up for several years, but why wait? By taking care of business now, the Braves will be able to lock them up at a more team-friendly rate for the rest of their careers. Who says the Braves championship window is only ten more years? How about 20?
The Braves very well may look at their left field situation as taken care of following the acquisition of Jarred Kelenic. One of Kelenic or Vaughn Grissom should be able to offer more value than Eddie Rosario has in each of the last two seasons. Still, I would like to add another veteran to the mix for insurance. There’s also no guarantee Grissom is even on the roster come Opening Day if the Braves find a trade opportunity they deem worthwhile.
Leave a Reply