With recent moves and several reports from a plethora of different MLB insiders, we now have a much better idea of the Braves’ offseason priorities. Atlanta won’t be able to address all of their needs with marquee stars, given their payroll limitations, but they have created enough space to make at least a couple of significant splashes.

Braves Projected 2025 Opening Day Roster

Lineup

1. Michael Harris II (CF)
2. Ozzie Albies (2B)
3. Austin Riley (3B)
4. Matt Olson (1B)
5. Marcell Ozuna (DH)
6. Lars Nootbaar (RF)
7. Sean Murphy (C)
8. Jarred Kelenic (LF)
9. Maikel Garcia (SS)

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In this projection, I have the Braves filling a couple of their holes via trade, an avenue that Alex Anthopoulos prefers to use when making substantial additions. Per Ken Rosenthal, the Braves reportedly prefer to fill their void in the outfield with a left-handed bat, and Lars Nootbaar is an intriguing trade candidate. The Cardinals appear to be waiving the white flag and signaling a rebuild. Essentially everybody on their roster is up for grabs, and while Nootbaar might not be an All-Star, he’s financially inexpensive, comes with three more years of team control, and owns a career .774 OPS from the left side.

I also have the Braves swinging a small trade with the Royals for Maikel Garcia. He’s no Willy Adames, but the reality is Alex Anthopoulos doesn’t have the funds to throw $150+ million at a shortstop. Garcia might not offer much in terms of pop, but he’s a contact bat with a lot of speed that can come in and compete with Orlando Arcia for the starting job. At worst, he’s a high-quality utility piece that offers the Braves some more speed on the bases. At best, he takes over for Arcia at the position full-time.

Rotation

1. Chris Sale
2. Nathan Eovaldi
3. Spencer Schwellenbach
4. Reynaldo Lopez
5. AJ Smith-Shawver

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As far as the funds the Braves have available, I see them spending most of them on the rotation. Eovaldi replaces Max Fried for around $20 million annually on a three-year deal. The Braves have reported interest in the two-time World Series champion, and they probably don’t want to risk handing Max Fried a six or seven-year deal. I seriously considered the Braves also bringing back Charlie Morton, but with Spencer Strider expected to return at some point, I thought those funds could be better used elsewhere. It’s also about time they give Smith-Shawver a serious look at the major-league level and allow him to sink or swim.

Bullpen

1. Raisel Iglesias
2. Pierce Johnson
3. A.J. Minter
4. Daysbel Hernandez
5. Grant Holmes
6. Aaron Bummer
7. Dylan Lee
8. Chris Martin

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To address the holes in the bullpen, I have the Braves turning to a couple of familiar faces. The first order of business is retaining A.J. Minter. Coming off a down year that ended with hip surgery, he should be looking for a one-year deal to rebuild his value, and the Braves need another high-leverage left-handed arm in their bullpen. I also have Atlanta reuniting with Chris Martin, who has been elite in three seasons since leaving, posting a 2.49 ERA over 151.2 innings. Martin has indicated that 2025 will be his last season. He’s looking for a one-year deal with a contender, making Atlanta a reasonable fit.

Bench

1. Chadwick Tromp
2. Orlando Arcia
3. Eli White
4. Ramon Laureano

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On the bench, Chadwick Tromp begins the season as the club’s backup to Sean Murphy. However, it wouldn’t shock me if Drake Baldwin assumes this role later in the season. Orlando Arcia remains with the club and could potentially be the starter in this scenario, even if the Braves do bring in some competition. Lastly, Ramon Laureano returns as a platoon option with Jarred Kelenic, who can serve as the full-time starter if Kelenic struggles. However, I do see the Braves giving Kelenic a chance to start against right-handed pitchers to begin the season.

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Photographer: Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire