The Atlanta Braves have had a busy offseason so far, and even if they aren’t active in either free agency or the trade market for the remainder of the winter, most fans would consider their signings fairly strong and very helpful in addressing the team’s needs.
While even Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos believes the team could bring in an impact arm, the biggest thing Atlanta is hoping to get out of their pitching staff is durability. Some of the signings (or re-signings) include: Raisel Iglesias, Robert Suarez, Mike Yastrzemski, Robert Suarez, Ha-Seong Kim, and Joel Payamps. The Braves have been among the most active teams in the NL and MLB altogether. A recent article by Bleacher Report’s Zachary Rymer highlights Atlanta’s offseason as one of the best to this point.
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This should come as no surprise, considering some of the Braves’ biggest needs, which included adding a depth outfielder, more backend bullpen help, and another infielder. Mike Yastrzemski signed to a two-year, $23 million deal, and Robert Suarez is being brought in on a three-year, $45 million contract. These have been the two biggest signings in terms of total value.
MLB writer Zachary Rymer believes it has been one of the five ‘best’ offseasons to this point, and of course, there is still a lot of time to go until Spring Training and the start of the regular season:
GettyFree-agent closer Robert Suarez has left the San Diego Padres for the Atlanta Braves.
“Last year was Atlanta’s ugliest season in a long time, but it wasn’t for a lack of star power. And since most of those stars (excepting Marcell Ozuna) are back in tandem with the newcomers, it’s not surprising that they project behind only the Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays in WAR for the coming season.”
Rymer ranks the Braves’ offseason as the fourth-best to this point, and they are only behind the Blue Jays, Cubs, and Orioles.
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Will the Braves Make Any Other Moves?
This question can only be answered by the Braves’ front office, which has the ultimate power to add players or trade for other assets.
However, Atlanta projects well on paper, as they have stars like Ronald Acuna Jr., Chris Sale, Matt Olson, etc.
Pair that with newly acquired depth, a reloaded bullpen, a fresh start health-wise, and the Braves’ new manager, Walt Weiss, is equipped for success.
There’s also still time to do more if the Braves so please. There are a lot of quality starting pitching options available, and even another impact bat or backup catcher.
The Braves are still awaiting where Marcell Ozuna will land at this point.
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Braves’ Offseason Tabbed As ‘Best’ By MLB Writer