The Braves have yet to make a splash this offseason, while rivals across the National League have significantly bolstered their rosters. Surprisingly, General Manager Alex Anthopoulos has spent much of the early winter trimming payroll rather than adding talent. This has fueled speculation that the Braves might be hesitant to exceed the luxury tax threshold of $241 million for a third consecutive year.
That would only give Alex Anthopoulos about $25 million to play with this offseason, pennies when looking at some of the contracts being thrown around to free agents across the league. However, Anthopoulos assured fans during his first appearance at the winter meetings that the first luxury tax threshold is not going to hold the team back this offseason.
“Alex Anthopoulous said if it’ll make the team better — they are in win-now mode — the #Braves won’t let potentially going over the $241M luxury tax stop stop them from making a move. Said it’s not a big deterrent, that they’re mindful of it but won’t let it dictate decisions,” David O’Brien wrote on Twitter/X from MLB’s Winter Meetings.Â
The Braves have been a luxury tax team for two consecutive years, and while harsher penalties loom for teams that cross the threshold in three straight seasons, Atlanta showed little hesitation in blowing past the first tax level last year. In fact, Alex Anthopoulos stated early in the season that payroll would continue to rise, leaving little doubt that the Braves would again be a luxury tax team in 2025.
The bigger question is: how far are they willing to go?
Free agency has seen even average players commanding contracts nearing $20 million annually. For the Braves, the offseason checklist is long—they need to add a starting pitcher and an outfielder, and the bullpen also requires attention. How Anthopoulos navigates these needs will be fascinating to watch.
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Photo: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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