Spring Training is just a few weeks away, the Braves have yet to make a single noteworthy acquisition, and while there are still some big names left on the market, it’s dwindling fast. With so many glaring holes to fill, one has to wonder what exactly the Braves plan is to put together the most competitive team possible by Opening Day.
The outfield is a complete mess. Michael Harris II is a superstar in center field, but there’s currently not a single proven starter on the roster to play left or right field. Jarred Kelenic has some upside, but he was benched at the end of last season in favor of Ramon Laureano. Still, that’s far better than the situation in right field. Ronald Acuña Jr. is expected to miss at least six weeks, and nobody behind him is deserving of starting every day, even if it is just for a couple of months. In a division as competitive as the NL East, it’s not good enough, especially for a team with legitimate championship aspirations like the Braves.
The bullpen is in just as rough of shape. A.J. Minter is now with the Mets, and Joe Jimenez is scheduled to miss most of the 2025 campaign and possibly all of it. That leaves the Braves with Raisel Iglesias… and not much else. The Braves don’t currently have a true set-up man on their roster. However, of all the areas, there are still a lot of relievers left on the open market. This is an area that can be rather easily resolved before the start of the season.
Then, there is the rotation. It’s not as glaring of a need as the outfield or bullpen with Spencer Strider due to return early in the season, but some quality depth wouldn’t hurt. This is a team that has suffered a multitude of injuries to their starting pitchers over the years, and if one of their top guys goes down, it’s going to be tough to compete in the National League.
With so many of the marquee names already finding new homes and so little time before Spring Training kicks off in February, it will be incredibly interesting to see how Alex Anthopoulos addresses all of these needs. He has a unique way of going about his business that emphasizes value. In this inflated market, value is incredibly difficult to come by.
Perhaps a few things emerge as the finish line approaches, but it’s possible Anthoupolos has overplayed his hand and is now scrambling for answers. This roster is nowhere near ready to compete for a World Series, and Spring Training kicks off in just three short weeks.
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Photographer: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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