Really good explanation of the moves made to this point, with great analysis of the tax implications.
Really good explanation of the moves made to this point, with great analysis of the tax implications.
DirkPiggler (12-22-2023), jpx7 (12-21-2023), thewupk (12-23-2023), UNCBlue012 (12-22-2023)
Good article. I like what the Braves have done this off season. I know people are mad they didn't get a big name third starter with a proven track record and younger than 40 but I like many of the options we have. We won the world series with a rotation of Fried/Anderson/Morton. I think Morton is still good. As long as he is striking out 10+ per 9 he is a quality starter in my book. I still like Ian Anderson. TJ surgery is fairly routine and I like getting him back mid season because a full year would be a bit much to expect right away. I always like Ynoa more than most and we get him back too. I really like AJSS and Waldrep is everything Kyle Wright wasn't and has shown me he has real potential. We could very well trade the farm for Cease and be goes down with TJ. Pitching is notoriously unreliable so I like having a lot of options rather than all eggs in one basket.
Plus it sets us up well in the years going forward. I think the chances of resigning Fried went way up and I won't even discount that we go after Soto since we got his BFF to help recruit him. With this off season we could realistically get both Fried and Soto signed next year and still be under the luxury tax.
We are getting to the point where we can see the end of Acuna/Albie's contracts. We need to keep in mind any contracts past 4 years is going to effect our ability to sign them to extensions. We have a **** ton of money spent on the pen in the next 2 years. If we could develop some cheap low service time relieves it would make a world of difference on our ability to sign premium players. I think AA has this in mind with many of the moves this off season. I wouldn't be surprised if we target someone we think can be a top notch reliever quickly with our first round pick this year. Paying 50 million a year on the pen is only sustainable because of the super team friendly contracts we have.
Last edited by cajunrevenge; 12-24-2023 at 04:56 AM.
"Donald Trump will serve a second term as president of the United States.
It’s over."
Little Thethe Nov 19, 2020.
jpx7 (12-24-2023)
The Braves gather a bunch of BP options and Jared Kelenic. They still have yet to address the bigger issue the rotation. IMO Elder and Smith-Shawver/Lopez definitely isn't a great plan going into the season. Still plenty of time left before the season starts but in my personal opinion none of the holes have truly been addressed.
jpx7 (12-25-2023)
We need good health and a starter to emerge.
Not asking a ton
Ivermectin Man
jpx7 (12-25-2023)
bravebonebook (12-29-2023)
If the Braves can get a good mid level starter, ie. Stromam or equivalent, the offseason will be a success. Somebody solid who is a good bet to eat up solid innings is exactly what they need to finish out the team. No team can expect to lose a TOR pitcher and have another waiting. Good pitching is just to rare.
jpx7 (12-25-2023)
There are only 3 FA arms who can realistically be relied upon to be better/healthier than Morton next October, and those guys are Snell, Monty and Stroman. Of those 3 options I think it’s clear which is the most likely guy to take a 2-3 year contract AA is likely to give out.
The trade candidates are really only Cease and Burnes, and we’ve heard some decent smoke on Cease.
So my prediction is AA adds Cease with giving up only Grissom, or Stroman on a 2 year deal for a slightly elevated AAV.
bravebonebook (12-29-2023), jpx7 (12-25-2023)
Unless he can bag Stroman on a 2- of 3-year deal, I think Anthopoulos is going to wait until the deadline.
jpx7 (12-25-2023)
It's pretty rare for Anthopolous to up his bid or panic when options get limited. He tends to stand firm on it. Someone else probably brings in the high bid on the remaining folks.
I would lean towards the Braves not bringing anyone else in that folks here would see as an obvious upgrade.
The problem is you want big name players who are nice and shiny. I want players who will be good not ones who have been good. Good teams acquire players before they produce and bad teams like the Yankees throw money and prospects around like drunken sailors and then wonder why they suck despite a huge payroll.
"Donald Trump will serve a second term as president of the United States.
It’s over."
Little Thethe Nov 19, 2020.
No I want a proven starting pitcher that's durable. The Braves already have a rotation full of great pitchers when healthy but can't stay healthy and the backend is questionable. If you feel comfortable rolling into the season with Elder and AJSS as your 4/5 guys in the rotation that's you. He even Morton is a wildcard at this point.
bravebonebook (12-29-2023)