The Braves payroll has shot past the "AA doesn't have money" scenario, so I wouldn't put any cap on it. The luxury number is sitting at $256M (probably a bit less since RR seems to over estimate the "Estimated player benefits to be paid" line item), but I see no reason they wouldn't go over the 2nd cap of $264M. They will likely stay under the 3rd cap of $284M (or maybe not, who knows?), which leaves plenty to sign a Bassitt type FA SP.Any thoughts or general gut feelings on what that move looks like?
So to me, the most likely options are a trade for a legit option like Ryan/Peralta, or a non-QO FA SP. Unlike others, I don't think the rumors about Diaz means AA is willing to lose the 26th pick. I think it means Diaz at a reasonable price was worth giving it up, just like Framber at a bargain price would be worth giving it up.
So hopefully AA is able to sit back now and allow the SP bargain that always presents itself every single year to fall into his lap. I've always wanted the Braves to be the team benefitting from a SP's market collapsing.