Braves still have a lot on offseason checklist after Will Smith signing

The Atlanta Braves made a huge move by signing Will Smith, but there’s still a lot that needs to be done this offseason.

There is no question that bringing in the best relief pitcher available this offseason was a great move for the Atlanta Braves.

But signing Will Smith is not going to make them World Series contenders in 2020.

In fact, after the Darren O’Day signing I assumed Alex Anthopoulos was done making bullpen moves for the offseason.

The main priorities for the offseason still remain in replacing Josh Donaldson at third base (if not re-signing him), finding a catcher to pair with Tyler Flowers, and hopefully getting a top of the rotation starter.

As Alan speculates in his recent article, the Braves still could have anywhere from $28-$48 million to spend this offseason.

That should be enough for Atlanta to make two big moves– most likely for a third baseman and starting pitcher.

My fear is that signing Smith may prevent the Braves from making these big moves, but if the budget moves up to $140 or $150 million like we’re hoping, that shouldn’t be the case.

I would also throw in corner outfield as a need this offseason, but I apparently am the only one who fills that way.

The idea of a platoon between Nick Markakis and Adam Duvall makes my insides turn. I would love for them to trade for an everyday corner outfielder, but that is starting to sound like a pipe dream.

What we’ve learned from Alex Anthopoulos these past two offseasons is that he’s willing to make a move for the biggest impact despite where the needs are.

Last offseason nobody thought third base was a need, but he went out and signed Josh Donaldson anyway and he had a huge impact on the 2019 season.

I don’t think many believed the Braves needed to get a closer this offseason, but he saw an opportunity to get the best one on the market and he took it.

The biggest complaint with him doing that last offseason is that it seemingly prevented him from making other moves where there were obvious needs (like the bullpen).

Hopefully that’s not the case this offseason as he and the Braves still have a lot of holes to fill if they are going to compete for a World Series in 2020.