The Braves have been one of the most active clubs this offseason, but it hasn’t resulted in a blockbuster acquisition as past Winters have brought Atlanta.
Last year, it was Sean Murphy and a subsequent contract extension, and his former A’s teammate Matt Olson was the headliner the offseason prior. This Winter has been headlined by Jarred Kelenic, Joe Jimenez, Pierce Johnson, and Reynaldo Lopez.
Braves Country would still consider the rotation a significant need, and Alex Anthopoulos is surely monitoring the starting pitching market, but it’s not as dire as many would have you believe.
Max Fried, Spencer Strider, and Charlie Morton are as formidable as any top three in baseball. Obviously if one goes down, things look much bleaker, but that could be said for any starting rotation in the league if one of their top three arms were injured.
Still, it could be bolstered and the offseason isn’t over. Anthopoulos confirmed that he pursued Aaron Nola and other efforts have been made but to no avail. It’s not only clear to Braves Country but also to the new face of the club’s broadcast booth that’s the one area that could be upgraded for 2024 and beyond.
C.J. Nitkowski will be replacing Jeff Francoeur next to Brandon Gaudin, who replaced Chip Caray last season. Nitkowski appeared on MLB Network and weighed in on the state of the Braves offseason, touching on the team’s needs and the acquisition of Jarred Kelenic.
Offseason priorities for the reigning NL East champs?@CJNitkowski talks all things @Braves ahead of his first season as the team's color analyst! #HighHeat pic.twitter.com/KzkneZMT39
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) December 27, 2023
The Braves could use another long-term arm to join the rotation. With Tyler Glasnow off the table, the two biggest names on the trade market, which seems like the only way the Braves will add a frontline starter, are Dylan Cease and Corbin Burnes.
However, as Chase pointed out, Luis Castillo has emerged as another possible trade target. Cease and Castillo have multiple years of control, so they’re more attractive from Atlanta’s point of view.
As for Kelenic, I agree with Nitkowski that he will garner the lion’s share of the starts in left field. He’s oozing with talent and provides balance for a lineup that features a lot of right-handed batters. It clouds Vaughn Grissom‘s role in 2024, making him expendable if a trade comes across Anthopoulos’ desk.
—
Brandon Sloter/Icon Sportswire
You must log in to post a comment.