Atlanta Braves Winter Meetings preview

The Better Trade Options

• Mitch Haniger– Seattle has went into full blown firesale rebuild mode much like the Braves did in 2014. Haniger is the best piece they have left to sale, and almost any team would jump at the chance to get him. The Braves would surely be one of the favorites due to the teams desire for another outfielder and the prospects we can offer up. I expect the Braves to at least try.
• Corey Kluber– Reportedly the price is still high. Maybe it will come down next week once the Indians receive offers? Kluber would immediately anchor the staff and make the Braves rotation a very formidable group.
• Sonny Gray– Maybe not the pitcher most Atlanta fans would hope for, at least not for the front of the rotation, but Gray could bounce back out of New York and in Atlanta. Obviously wouldn’t cost the prospects someone like Kluber would as well.
• Noah Syndergaard– The Mets are quite puzzling to me this winter. They recently acquired Cano and Edwin Diaz and said they are going for it, but reports are Thor is still being shopped. He would cost a lot in prospects, even if the Mets would listen to a in division rival, but the Braves might place a call next week?
• JT Realmuto– The rumor that wont go away is the linking of Realmuto and the Braves. Frankly, I would be surprised if the Marlins still have Realmuto leaving Las Vegas. Will the Braves be the team that ends up with him? If it costs Soroka and Riley, count me out, but we shall see.
• Salvador Perez– Another report that recently slipped under the radar a bit was the Braves may have made a call to the Royals about Salvy. Could these two teams talk a little more at the Winter Meetings next week?

Are we gonna talk to Boras?

Every Agent that represents a MLB player will be roaming the lobby’s next week at the hotel. Jokingly, I ask if we were gonna see a picture of Alex Anthopoulos and Scott Boras eating lunch. However, by the small chance we do, I would wager it won’t be talks about Bryce Harper, but maybe Carlos Gonzalez, Zach Britton, or Dallas Keuchel.

Based off the stuff I am seeing and reading, I would wager as of now, the plan for the Braves is to trade for a Starter and sign a outfielder as the reports are the Braves are comfortable with any of McCutchen, Gonzalez, or maybe even a reunion with Markakis.

Atlanta seems to be playing the waiting game with the market.  One would assume after those needs are complete, Anthopoulos could move on to shore up the bullpen if he desires.