Recapping Atlanta Braves 2016-2017 Offseason To Date
By Jeff Schafer
Braves Offseason – Slow, but Steady
Moments following Mike Montgomery getting the final out of the 2016 World Series for the Chicago Cubs, the 2016-2017 offseason started. The Atlanta Braves seemed geared up and ready to make a huge splash in the following months. The splashing has occurred, but it’s more like splashing your girlfriend in the pool instead of a cannonball into the pool.
A few months/weeks ago, the Braves had the intent to go after a catcher, starting pitching, possibly a third baseman and bench help. Atlanta was rumored to have the money and willing to spend if the deal was right.
We’re all guilty of monitoring our social media outlets to hear about the next move Braves General Manager John Coppolella will do. It has just become the norm as it happens (it seems) so often. Coppy and the Braves front office are all smart and we should trust them to continue doing their thing.
Should we be urgent? No, the pieces will fall whether Coppy thinks it’s the right time now, December or in February.
As we sit on November 28, 2016 the Braves have made plenty of small moves…mostly minor league deals to bolster our affiliate teams and give us depth if injuries happen.
Let’s recap the Braves moves so far this offseason…
ADDS
Sam Freeman, LHP – minor league contract
Blake Lalli, 1B/C – minor league contract
Matt Tuiasosopo, OF – minor league contract
Danny Reynolds, RHP – minor league contract
Ramon Morla, RHP – minor league contract
Isaac Sanchez, RHP – minor league contract
R.A. Dickey, RHP – MLB contract
Elian Leyva, RHP – minor league contract (Cuban pitcher whocould compete for MLB bullpen role in 2017)
More from Braves News
- Braves News: Atlanta makes a pair of trades, prospect debuts, more
- Braves News: Atlanta Braves acquire Eli White from the Texas Rangers
- Atlanta Braves Swing Trade with the New York Yankees for Lucas Luetge
- Atlanta Braves 2012 Top Prospects Review: Zeke Spruill
- Braves News: Atlanta extends Sean Murphy, pitcher reunions, more
Armando Araiza, C – minor league contract
David Freitas, C – minor league contract
Andres Avila, RHP – minor league contract
Bartolo Colon, RHP – MLB contract
Tuffy Gosewisch, C – MLB contract
Sean Kazmar, SS – minor league contract
Adam Kolarek, LHP – minor league contract
Jordan Walden, RHP – minor league contract (ST invite)
Josh Collmenter, RHP – MLB contract
Balbino Fuenmayor, 1B – minor league contract
Colin Walsh, INF – minor league contract
Departures
Ryan Weber, RHP – Mariners claimed off waivers
Emilio Bonifacio, OF – free agency
Eric O’Flaherty, LHP – free agency
A.J. Pierzynski, C – free agency
ADDED TO 40-MAN ROSTER
Rob Whalen, RHP – from 60-day DL
Jesse Biddle, LHP – from 60-day DL
Daniel Winkler, RHP – from 60-day DL
Paco Rodriguez, LHP – from 60-day DL
R.A. Dickey, RHP – signed one-year deal (team option 2018)
Bartolo Colon, RHP – signed one-year deal (team option 2018)
Tuffy Gosewisch, C – claimed off waivers
Johan Camargo, 2B – from Mississippi to protect from Rule 5 Draft
Max Fried, RHP – from Rome to protect from Rule 5 Draft
Lucas Sims, RHP – from Mississippi to protect from Rule 5 Draft
SENT TO GWINETT
Brandon Cunniff, RHP – outright to Triple-A
Casey Kelly, RHP – outright to Triple-A
Sean Kazmar, SS – sent to Triple-A
Adam Kolarek, LHP – sent to Triple-A
David Freitas, C – sent to Triple-A
Isaac Sanchez, RHP –
Andres Avila, RHP – sent to Triple-A
SENT TO MISSISSIPPI
Armando Araiza, C – sent to Double-A
Ramon Morla, RHP – sent to Double-A
Next: Could Braves Extend Dansby Swanson?
The 2016 MLB Rule 5 draft will take place on December 8. The Braves currently have 40 players on their 40-man roster and I doubt they head into this draft without at least one spot open.
I’m thinking the Braves will DNF a player or two prior to heading into the Rule 5 Draft. Braves beat writer Mark Bowman mentioned Daniel Winkler a possible option for the Braves to DNF or I could possibly see Williams Perez as he continues to struggle in the Venezuela Winter League…has started three games and has given up four runs in each start.
We’ll keep our eyes and ears open to keep you updated this offseason.