The Braves have been quiet since before Thanksgiving when they inked Charlie Morton to a one-year contract. Amid the silence, however, there has recently been some buzz surrounding potential trades and free-agent signings. If you’re familiar with Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos, you are well aware of how close he keeps things to the vest. Very little information regarding potential moves ever escapes his inner circle, so I’m going to put my thinking cap on and do my best to sniff out the BS in each rumor.
*I’ll be using a scale between 1-10, with 10 meaning it is complete BS and 1 meaning no BS at all
The Braves are talking to the Indians about Jose Ramirez
The #Braves are talking to the Indians about a potential trade involving versatile infielder Jose Ramirez. Ramirez slashes .290/.366/.895 since 2016, with 325 XBH in that time.
— Dan Clark (@DanClarkSports) January 26, 2021
Ok, the Braves would be foolish not to inquire about Jose Ramirez. He’s an MVP candidate and one of the best third basemen in the game. On top of that, the Indians seem to always be listening on trades for their best players. I’m sure there have been conversations. How far those conversations have gone is a different story. I don’t see the Braves giving up the farm; therefore, a trade for Ramirez is highly unlikely.
BS Meter: 9
With no DH in the NL, the Braves odds to re-sign Marcell Ozuna drop significantly
If the DH returns to the National League, I can see Marcell Ozuna returning to Atlanta. If it does not, those chances drop significantly. Ozuna has been and still is looking for a multi-year deal coming off a great 2020.
— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) January 28, 2021
It does not look like there will be a DH in the National League, which should hurt Marcell Ozuna’s market. Even though he still believes he can play in the outfield, his defense last year says otherwise. I’m not sure any NL team is going to be willing to hand him a three or four-year deal to play left field, including the Braves. Not much BS here; I don’t see Anthopoulos committing to Ozuna long-term without a DH.
BS Meter: 3
The Braves are in talks with the Rockies regarding Nolan Arenado
Braves have checked in on Arenado, too. Probably a long shot. Rockies want big haul back but don’t want to eat much $ (that part makes some sense as he may opt out after 2021 anyway). #STLCards need may be greater than Braves.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 29, 2021
Like Ramirez, I fully believe that Anthopoulos has done his due diligence on the Rockies star third baseman Nolan Arenado. However, as I’ve mentioned several times, he will be tough to trade because of the opt-out he has in his contract after this season. Would the Braves be getting him for one year or six? His contract is also long and expensive. For those reasons, I highly doubt Anthopoulos meets the Rockies’ asking price. No BS here at all.
BS Meter: 1
The Braves have kicked the tires on Trey Mancini
Braves have kicked tires on Orioles star Trey Mancini. Nothing serious yet, but Braves need offense. Could be tough to trade for O’s though.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 27, 2021
Mancini makes sense for the Braves. He can play left field and provides the same kind of pop that Marcell Ozuna does but at a fraction of the price. Heyman is right; it would be tough for the Orioles to trade the face of their franchise. However, I don’t think it’s unlikely, like he said on his podcast. Baltimore, as they should be, are in full sell mode. If the Braves offer the right prospect combination, the Orioles would be fools not to take it.
BS Meter: 4
The Braves are in on a ton of relievers
Braves and Phillies were runners-up for O’Day. Those two teams are in on a lot of relievers.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 27, 2021
The Braves have been linked to several relievers this offseason, but no deals have been reached. That’s a bit disappointing with the top guys already off the market, but there are still plenty of impact arms available, and I fully expect the Braves to sign one or two of them before the start of the season. No BS here.
BS Meter: 1
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