The Braves are never going to have an offseason with a total overhaul like some other clubs. Alex Anthopoulos has made sure of that.
Atlanta’s GM has done an excellent job locking up the core of this roster to long-term extensions. Obviously, what makes it an excellent job is the team-friendly nature of the deals. However, that also means the opportunities to upgrade the roster are few and far between.
This is especially true when it comes to position players; Anthopoulos has to get creative some of the times — i.e., Sean Murphy trade last season. But that isn’t the case when it comes to the pitching staff.
Much like cornerbacks or offensive linemen in the NFL or 3-and-D wings in the NBA, you can never have enough pitching in baseball. The Braves know this better than most clubs.
Even in their 2021 World Series run, Atlanta dealt with pitching injuries. They overcame them, but Anthopoulos has seemingly tried to get ahead of that problem this offseason.
The Braves re-signed Joe Jimenez and Pierce Johnson while adding Reynaldo Lopez and Aaron Bummer to the bullpen. Charlie Morton returns for what could be his final season, giving the rotation a very similar look to last year — Spencer Strider, Max Fried, and Morton with a slew of young arms waiting in the wings.
Obviously, many want AA to add another arm, preferably a frontline starter, to the rotation, but if the season started tomorrow, the Braves would be poised to make another run at the Commissioner’s Trophy.
When asked about how the Braves can improve the roster, Brian Snitker uttered very similar words.
Snitker on where #Braves can improve roster: “I think you can always probably improve or make changes that are beneficial. If we went to spring training tomorrow, I’d feel really good about who we’ve got now. I’d feel really good about our team. It’s a group of driven guys."
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) December 5, 2023
While I (and many others)Â still expect the Braves to make one more significant move, the hole in left field is going to be filled by Vaughn Grissom or Jarred Kelenic, the rotation is in stable condition, and the relief core is in a better position today than it was last season.
As currently constructed, the Braves probably eclipse 100 wins again and would be among the favorites to win the World Series.
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David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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