For the third consecutive year, the Braves season ended with an early exit in the postseason. The 2021 World Series run is beginning to feel like a distant memory, as fans become restless with the current core that just can’t seem to find any magic in October.
In the past two offseasons, Alex Anthopoulos has overlooked the flaws that may have caused the Braves to fall short in the playoffs, which is understandable. The small sample size of a couple five-game postseason series shouldn’t completely wash away the memories of a team that won 100+ games in back-to-back seasons. But will a third straight early exit change his mindset heading into the winter?
It certainly could, but then again, this is a Braves team that entered October missing a couple of arms and a leg. Ronald Acuña Jr, Spencer Strider, Austin Riley, and Chris Sale all missed the playoffs. No other club would have a chance at making a run without four players of that caliber. Hell, the fact the Braves even made the postseason with all of the injuries they had to overcome was more than remarkable.
I wouldn’t expect a major shakeup, but there are some clear areas of concern heading into 2025. According to ESPN, upgrading shortstop and left field should be at the top of the Braves to-do list.
Will they look to upgrade shortstop or left field? Aside from all the injuries, the weakest positions were shortstop, where Orlando Arcia hit .218, and left field, where Jarred Kelenic slumped badly in the second half. Soler has two years and $32 million left on his contract, so he’s going to be difficult to trade and maybe the Braves shove him into left field. Given the Braves’ payroll situation, they’ll probably just live with Arcia’s $2 million salary and hope his bat bounces back a bit.
As far as the shortstop position goes, there’s no question Orlando Arcia needs to be upgraded. The question is how can the Braves accomplish that goal?
Unless Alex Anthopoulos is willing to pony up the big bucks for Willy Adames, there is no clear upgrade available in free agency, and not many clubs are looking to trade away high quality starting shortstops. Given Orlando Arcia is still a plus defender on a $2 million contract, it’s most likely the Braves just stick with him and hope one of two things: his bat experiences some positive regression, or an internal candidate like Nacho Alvarez proves to be ready to contribute in 2025.
As far as left field, that should be much easier for the Braves address. There are a boatload of outfielders available every offseason via free agency or trade, and they aren’t going to cost an arm and a leg in free agency. That’s a priority the Braves must take seriously, and it might be where we see Alex Anthopoulos be his most aggressive this winter.
—
Photo: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
You must log in to post a comment.