After a recent free agent splurge from several clubs around the league, the Braves are now one of just nine teams that have not made a major-league free agent signing this offseason. It’s Christmas Eve, and the list of attractive targets has thinned considerably. Several of the top trade candidates have also already been moved, raising concern across Braves Country.
Admittedly, it’s rather shocking to see the Braves this silent through the first couple of months of the offseason. Alex Anthopoulos is typically one of the first general managers to act, and he has no shortage of holes to fill. The fact that he’s done nothing to this point is peculiar, and while panicking this far away from the start of the season is nonsensical, it’s becoming more difficult to see how the Braves are going to fill all of their holes in such an inflated market.
That’s been the biggest takeaway to this point in the offseason. Middle of the rotation starters are going for $25+ million over three years. Guys who haven’t been healthy in years and threw a total of 20 good innings over the last three seasons are commanding $15-20 million a year, while every single ace seems to set a new record.
The Braves have a need for another starting pitcher, but in this market, don’t be shocked if they opt to sit out this offseason. Spencer Strider isn’t expected to miss too much time, and Atlanta does have a slew of young arms that could potentially round out the rotation. They might opt to ride with some of those guys and then re-evaluate the situation at the trade deadline.
The outfield market isn’t nearly as ludicrous, but the options remaining are scarce. Which is very problematic, because the Braves outfield is much more of a concern than the starting rotation. The only healthy, proven commodity currently rostered is Michael Harris II. Left field needs to be addressed, and right field will remain a massive hole until Ronald Acuña Jr. returns healthy.
The bullpen needs some attention as well, but that’s far less concerning than the other two areas. There are still a plethora of options available in free agency, and relievers can be added throughout the entire season.
For a team with so much star power, panicking is never the appropriate action. The Braves are going to win a lot of games next year, no matter what they do this offseason. However, it’s evident the market is impacting the way Alex Anthopoulos operates. He’s waiting for this spending spree to die down, and then perhaps an opportunity will reveal itself.
The idea of the Braves making a blockbuster move this offseason feels much less likely than it has in previous years. That’s discouraging, but it’s important to remember that a lot of these deals being handed out this offseason will handcuff organizations for years to come. The Braves aren’t a desperate club. Potentially closing their championship window to appease fans is not how the best clubs ensure sustained success.
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Photographer: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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