While the rest of the NL East has gone wild this offseason, especially the Mets, Alex Anthopoulos has remained calm and unbothered by the noise. He doesn’t seem anxious to match the moves of the teams in the division, and he seems even less interested in even contacting Dansby Swanson. Recent reports suggest the two sides have had next to no communication since the offseason began, which has understandably frustrated Swanson — an Atlanta native who has stated on several different occasions that he wants to say here for his entire career.
Hmmm… where have I heard that before? Alex Anthopoulos isn’t interested in narratives, and he certainly doesn’t care about your feelings. All he’s thinking about is what’s best for the organization, and while he’s not always right (*cough* Freddie Freeman *cough*), you have to at least respect his business-like approach to negotiations. That’s generally the best way to operate in any venture, and it’s why the Braves are set up for sustained success for years to come.
Now that we have a few new pieces and plenty of juicy rumors following the Winter Meetings, I thought it would be a good time to take a look at what the roster could potentially look like on Opening Day.
Starting Rotation
I’m fairly confident this will be the starting rotation come Opening Day. The top four are set in stone, providing there are no injuries, but the fifth spot is up for grabs. However, in my opinion, Ian Anderson is a heavy favorite to begin the year in the rotation. He’s too good not to figure it out, so unless the Braves use him in a trade, I expect him to begin 2023 in Atlanta.
Bullpen
- Raisel Iglesias
- A.J. Minter
- Collin McHugh
- Joe Jiménez
- Kirby Yates
- Nick Anderson
- Dylan Lee
- Luke Jackson
The Braves could make another splash signing to improve this group anymore, but I think the acquisition of Joe Jiménez from the Tigers was the big move for the bullpen this offseason. As currently constructed, it should once again be one of the elite units in the league. The only addition I have them making is re-signing Luke Jackson, which is a no-brainer if he’s healthy coming off Tommy John surgery.
Catchers
I know Alex Anthopoulos recently said he doesn’t plan on trading any of his three catchers, but I believe what Anthopoulos says about as much as I believe Uncle Ed would have made the majors if he didn’t throw his arm out in high school. With next to no free agent catchers on the market, teams in need of a backstop will be looking to make a trade. There will be plenty of suitors for Manny Piña, and the Braves don’t have any use for him. Plus, Atlanta would save $4.5 million if they move him. One of these catchers will be traded by Opening Day, and my money is on Piña.
Infielders
I honestly can’t even believe I’m doing this, but unless something dramatically changes, it looks like the Braves are willing to go into next season with a platoon of Orlando Arcia and Vaughn Grissom at shortstop. I don’t see them bringing back Swanson, and Carlos Correa is a pipe dream. Perhaps the Braves bring in a stopgap option like Elvis Andrus, but at that point, just save the money and role with a platoon of Arcia and Grissom. It’s wild that we are at this point, but I don’t see many other options if the Braves don’t re-sign Dansby Swanson.
Outfield
- Ronald Acuña Jr.
- Michael Harris II
- Eddie Rosario
- Marcell Ozuna
- Michael Conforto
If the Braves don’t spend on the shortstop position, they have to allocate those funds elsewhere, and left field is the most logical choice. I love Michael Conforto’s fit into this lineup and don’t think he will command a lengthy deal like Andrew Benintendi might. The rest are all locks unless the Braves can find a suitor for Marcell Ozuna or Eddie Rosario.
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Photographer: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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