Atlanta Braves offseason: 3 bold predictions
There are several areas the Atlanta Braves need to address this offseason if they want to continue to be a contender. But how aggressive will they be?
The time is now to be bold for the Atlanta Braves.
With the winter meetings less than a month away, the groundwork is being laid for potential trade and free agent deals.
In a recent conversation with multiple media members that cover the Braves, General Manager Alex Anthopoulos made it known the starting rotation and catcher are the primary areas the Braves are looking at improving.
This obviously omits the need for a third baseman in the event Josh Donaldson signs with another team (More on that in the next slide).
According to Cot’s Contracts, the Braves payroll by the end of the season was over $138 million and with the influx of money brought in this year, the payroll COULD jump to close to $150 million.
Combining the projected arbitration figures with payroll commitments for next year, the Braves could have $50-$60 million to spend this offseason.
Throw in a still loaded farm system and there are multiple ways for the Braves to improve an already talented roster.
They must be bold in their moves and know that this offseason is the one to add the final pieces to the puzzle.
And AA made the first bold move of the offseason by signing the best free agent reliever on the market in Will Smith.
light. Related Story. Braves make big splash by signing elite closer
If Donaldson leaves, they must react appropriately.
No prospect should be untouchable. No draft pick too valuable to give up via free agency.
BUT….
As Fred wrote last week, that has not exactly been Anthopoulos’ M.O. as GM with Atlanta and when he pulled off some big deals with Toronto he did so in a panicky fashion.
This is perhaps the most crucial offseason in the last decade or more.
Go big or go home.
Here are three bold predictions for the offseason. The first one is not exactly good news.