2025-2026 offseason thread

AA’s tenure has certainly been far above average. But he should be held to a higher standard because of that.
I think the idea is now if this is what he is (above average - far above average - whatever) should we settle for that as an organization?

I'm willing to stick it out with him. The injury devastation completely jaded what was building as an unbelievable core moving forward.
 
I think the idea is now if this is what he is (above average - far above average - whatever) should we settle for that as an organization?

I'm willing to stick it out with him. The injury devastation completely jaded what was building as an unbelievable core moving forward.
There have been clear opportunities each of the last two offseasons and the two deadlines before that when this was a 100-win team to do much more to put us in a better position to win another title. Many reasons/excuses yes, but someone has to answer for the missed opportunities.
 
Also - When Murphy had a 130 wrc+ while providing elite defense in his first year NOBODY was saying what a stupid trade it was. At least I don't remember anyone saying it.
 
Prior to the '24 trade deadline AA had been so good and there were enough potential explanations for the inaction in '24 and '25 that I was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. Going into this offseason though, he needed to address all of the following to redeem himself imo:

Get a real SS
Replace Snit with a competent Manager
Add an SP
Add a bat to replace Ozuna
Improve the bullpen
Improve the bench

He did a good job with #1 and #6
#2 remains to be seen but doesn't look great
He failed to do anything for #3
#4 Feels underwhelming
#5 looked good until he had to move Holmes and Lopez out of the bullpen because of his failure on #3

Ultimately you have to see how the season works out, but that isn't a great offseason. The rotation is currently a disaster, the bullpen doesn't look great and the lineup is relying on a lot of guys to rebound. I'll still be here watching, but this is the least excited I've been for opening day since... I dunno, 2016?
 
Anyone who says AA’s tenure has been average or below average should have their internet privileges removed by the government. He’s screwed up recently but he has easily been above average for his tenure. It’s not even a conversation. He can fix his offseason miscues still for this season if he really wants to. Season hasn’t even started yet and there are FA’s still out there and trades to be made.
 
Also - When Murphy had a 130 wrc+ while providing elite defense in his first year NOBODY was saying what a stupid trade it was. At least I don't remember anyone saying it.
I'll fall on the sword on that. I think I remember Matt and I...probably Enscheff continuing to bemoan the loss of Bill. I don't revisit it though. In the end I always liked Murphy, but AA (while above average or whatever the thought is about him), has in my opine over the last 2.5 years at least, held a masterclass in bullshyt. Injuries...Yada..and Yada. We will see what shakes out I guess.. 'Hope' the Braves do well, injuries be damned.
 
Also - When Murphy had a 130 wrc+ while providing elite defense in his first year NOBODY was saying what a stupid trade it was. At least I don't remember anyone saying it.
Now that tehteh is back spouting nonsense....

Everyone was fully aware of how good and cheap WC was during every single stretch of Murphy's tenure with the Braves. People can be happy a player is playing well while still understanding the trade was poor.
 
That’s just not true.

Bad moves:

Opted to let Freeman walk only to trade valuable assets to Oakland for another 1b and pay him the same contract Freeman wanted. Freeman and Olson have been worth roughly equal value, but Shea turned into a 3-4 WAR Catcher. This move wasn't completely terrible, but it was a bad decision nonetheless, especially with hindsight.

Let Swanson walk after 2022 and hasn't found a suitable replacement in 3 years.

Letting Fried walk last year and not finding ANY sort of replacement

Murphy trade was bad at the time and awful now. Then failed to trade him away last deadline when he would brought back a haul.

JK trade was awful and hindered our ability to improve the club later

Signed Eddie Rosario multiple times over the last 4 years

Traded for Soler and his bad contract in 2024.

Guaranteed the final year of the Lopez contract after his 2024 season, instead of letting it be an option year.

DFA'ing Griffin Canning and Ramon Laureano last off-season when our needs going into the season were (checks notes) pitching depth and a solid hitting LFer.

Signing Profar when we already had a DH

Bummer contract (nitpicking here, but 9.5 million for 2026 is a little ridiculous for a mediocre middle reliever)

And obviously the not doing anything is a bad move when you have obvious holes


VS the good moves he has made:


Sale (granted, this was an amazingly good move)
Iggy
Jansen
Holmes
Laureano (before DFAing him)
Lopez (before the final year guarantee)
Pierce Johnson
I might give him partial credit on the good side for Olson since he has been pretty great.

Most of his good moves have been relievers.
 
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