2026 Payroll

[Hudson2]

He didn't say DH bc he doesn't wanna limit anybody to the role and OF may not be the one who runs through DH a lot, it could be a utility INF. We'll see how it plays out.

 

[Enscheff]

The easiest explanation is that AA typically plays his cards close to the vest and doesn't divulge too much information in regards to his plans.

So he will let everyone know he’s after a SS and SP, but draws the line at OF/DH. Seems reasonable.

 

[cajunrevenge]

Again, it's odd that he would pursue Buxton at the deadline if payroll constraints were a big issue. It's also odd he would pursue him if he didn't think the OF or some other type of big bat wasn't needed.

It makes absolute sense because Buxton is signed to a relatively cheap contract.

 

[Hudson2]

Wouldn't Buxton have put us over the tax?

 

[Carp]

So he will let everyone know he’s after a SS and SP, but draws the line at OF/DH. Seems reasonable.

Alex Anthopoulos: Shortstop, starting pitching and bullpen “will definitely be in the discussion”

Ha-Seong Kim’s name came up a lot during this portion of the presser.

www.batterypower.com

He did pour some cold water on the idea of potentially going out and picking up an outfielder — though as we all know, AA loves him some GM-speak so take all of this with a huge grain of salt). “Right-handed hitting outfielders is not something that’s a front-burner for us, and that’s being candid,” admitted AA. “Maybe as we go through the winter, that does become something but right now, that’s not a front-burner.

 

[Carp]

It makes absolute sense because Buxton is signed to a relatively cheap contract.

Typically, if money is going to be tight next year, you wouldn't preemptively make in season additions that would eat up a good bit of available off-season payroll, especially since you don't yet know your exact needs.

 

[Hudson2]

Alex Anthopoulos: Shortstop, starting pitching and bullpen “will definitely be in the discussion”

Ha-Seong Kim’s name came up a lot during this portion of the presser.

www.batterypower.com

He did pour some cold water on the idea of potentially going out and picking up an outfielder — though as we all know, AA loves him some GM-speak so take all of this with a huge grain of salt). “Right-handed hitting outfielders is not something that’s a front-burner for us, and that’s being candid,” admitted AA. “Maybe as we go through the winter, that does become something but right now, that’s not a front-burner.

That's spot on imo. OF is not a front burner. SS, SP, and BP are ahead of it so when he solves those 3 then an OF can be looked at.

 

[Carp]

Wouldn't Buxton have put us over the tax?

Not likely. I think we finished around 133 million in luxury tax. Buxton's 15+ million luxury tax hit would have been prorated to around 5-6 million. Keeping us under the tax.

 

[mfree80]

Come on guys. OF is not a priority because we have Eli White.!!!!

 

[Enscheff]

That's spot on imo. OF is not a front burner. SS, SP, and BP are ahead of it so when he solves those 3 then an OF can be looked at.

He specifically said RHH OFer, but the team clearly needs another bat to replace Ozuna.

If the plan is truly to rotate the catchers through DH after Murphy has been injured every single season, it’s unacceptable. If the plan is to give Profar time at DH so White can play the OF, it’s unacceptable.

The Braves need a legit, not necessarily star, OFer that allows Acuna to rotate through DH without giving Eli White 400 PAs.

 

[Hudson2]

He specifically said RHH OFer, but the team clearly needs another bat to replace Ozuna.

If the plan is truly to rotate the catchers through DH after Murphy has been injured every single season, it’s unacceptable. If the plan is to give Profar time at DH so White can play the OF, it’s unacceptable.

The Braves need a legit, not necessarily star, OFer that allows Acuna to rotate through DH without giving Eli White 400 PAs.

I completely agree but it's not above SS and SP right now. He tried to get Buxton at the deadline for a reason bc he knows we need one.

 

[Enscheff]

I completely agree but it's not above SS and SP right now. He tried to get Buxton at the deadline for a reason bc he knows we need one.

Also agree, OF/DH is not above SS, SP or BP. However, it is still a need that must be addressed to consider this offseason a success.

 

[Hudson2]

Also agree, OF/DH is not above SS, SP or BP. However, it is still a need that must be addressed to consider this offseason a success.

Without a doubt. One injury (and we know it's gonna happen) and it's a 2025 repeat and that can't happen.