Offseason Hot Stove 2024-25 Thread

Enscheff said:
AA isn’t perfect, but I would place him in the discussion of the best GM in baseball, and all professional sports. He is elite, and anyone claiming otherwise can be ignored regarding all things sports related.

We can’t keep saying “oh that contract was overpriced” when every single contract has been overpriced. The FA deals tend to happen early, and late, with the peak bidding happening right now. If this is the new level of spending required for top FAs, then that’s the new reality. Claiming “oh I’m glad the Braves didn’t spend that” is just a defense mechanism to make themselves feel better.
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You make good points. The only thing I'll add is I'm actually curious to see how the second half of this off season plays out as far as spending. Because it appears you have the high payroll teams flush with cash (especially those with revenue certainty from their TV Networks), and then the other half of the league appears to ether be cutting payroll or at least reducing spending. Due in large part to how much things are playing out with losing revenue from losing contracts with the regional networks. So I'm curious to see how it plays out once the big teams are done spending. Could be some serious deals to be had as free agents have fee options.
 
With the Braves being firmly among the top payrolls in baseball now, I think we can move away from the notion that we can't afford anyone FA anymore. At this point, AA seems focused more on keeping our own stars at more market friendly deals and finding top FA talent for as little years as possible. It's a very solid plan that has extended our competitive window better than practically any other MLB team over the last 7 years, save the Dodgers, who apparently have more money than Jesus. The Astros have done well also, but appear to be nearing the end of the competitive window.

But we're likely gonna have to eventually spend. Hopefully we're spending on position players though. I wanted no part of paying Fried 200 million for his decline years when he can never seem to stay healthy for a full season.
 
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Carp said:
With the Braves being firmly among the top payrolls in baseball now, I think we can move away from the notion that we can't afford anyone FA anymore. At this point, AA seems focused more on keeping our own stars at more market friendly deals and finding top FA talent for as little years as possible. It's a very solid plan that has extended our competitive window better than practically any other MLB team over the last 7 years, save the Dodgers, who apparently have more money than Jesus. The Astros have done well also, but appear to be nearing the end of the competitive window.

But we're likely gonna have to eventually spend. Hopefully we're spending on position players though. I wanted no part of paying Fried 200 million for his decline years when he can never seem to stay healthy for a full season.
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I think AA would spend in the right situation. I’ve said his name several times the past few days but Kyle Tucker fixes the OF for awhile and he’ll be a FA next offseason and AA should no doubt spend to get him with no OF help close in the minors. Like you I’d rather see him use the money on offense and keep drafting pitching.
 
Dylan Cease apparently back on the market. I would certainly kick the tires here. Especially if he would be open to an extension.
 
Carp said:
Dylan Cease apparently back on the market. I would certainly kick the tires here. Especially if he would be open to an extension.
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I’m a huge Cease fan so I’m all for that. The Pads may want more ammo to go after Crochet.
 
Hudson2 said:
When AA gets a player in his head it usually consumes him until he gets them. He went after Crochet at the deadline and I have a feeling he is now to. It would be us, the Mets, the Red Sox and maybe the Jays after him. If he were to take on Benintendi that might go a long way to getting him but I’d hope not. 3/49 is what he is still owed. But he did take on a lot of money to get Kelenic so who knows.
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Agree and I've always seen that as somewhat of a problem with him. I think there are times when he and the deep stats staff zero in on a guy because of some isolated measurement and get too clever by half. He's generally right on the big furniture part of the job although I think the long-term deals (which was viewed around here by many as a stroke of pure genius) may end up hamstringing things.

I'm in Deester11's camp. Anthopoulos is a very good GM but fans should try to stay clear-eyed on his moves and sometimes that warrants, if not outright criticism, some level of questioning.
 
bravesfanforlife88 said:
The cardinals announced they are cutting payroll and it’s been super quiet regarding Sonny gray. I have a feeling that could be AAs target
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I thought Gray also said he wanted to stay in St. Louis, which isn't shocking since this was likely his last long-term deal. However, he'd be a terrific grab and I think the Braves could easily absorb his contract to alleviate the prospect return.
 
I think Gray's contract is pretty fair based on his recent results. He is not an Ace, but a solid #3, fringe #2. Probably fits the Braves pretty well if Strider can return to form.
 
The Pads do like trading people with 1 year of control left so that’s probably a lot to do with it. Even with Boras as an agent if Cease extend with Atlanta all he would have to do is force the hand. He’s in charge.
 
bravesfanMatt said:
you could probably get the Cards to kick in 10-15 million for a mid tier prospect.
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Agreed. It's important to remember the Braves don't need an ace, they just need a quality starter... Sonny is that. I think there's a solid deal there if they can pry him away.

Sale - Strider - Gray - Lopez - Schwellenbach is terrific.
 
UNCBlue012 said:
Agreed. It's important to remember the Braves don't need an ace, they just need a quality starter... Sonny is that. I think there's a solid deal there if they can pry him away.

Sale - Strider - Gray - Lopez - Schwellenbach is terrific.
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And we need not forget that the Braves paid Mort 20 million for far less than what Gray should give the team. If they could kick in money to make the next 2 years 25 million and the option 25 or pay the buy out.. then he is a very fair contract..
 
Would people here trade Baldwin, AJSS, and Waldrep for Crochet? They are reportedly asking for 3 top prospects. I think Baldwin and AJSS are locks to be in any trade for Crochet and maybe we could do something else like Nacho and Ritchie instead of Waldrep. I wouldnt be surprised if it took Baldwin, AJSS, Waldrep, and Nacho.
 
cajunrevenge said:
Would people here trade Baldwin, AJSS, and Waldrep for Crochet? They are reportedly asking for 3 top prospects. I think Baldwin and AJSS are locks to be in any trade for Crochet and maybe we could do something else like Nacho and Ritchie instead of Waldrep. I wouldnt be surprised if it took Baldwin, AJSS, Waldrep, and Nacho.
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I'd rather gray at that price
 
Blue Jays traded for 2B Andres Giminez. They already had Will Wagner. I would love to get our hands on Will Wagner. Thats Billy Wagners son btw. I dont want him got that reason. He is just a good hitter without enough HR pop to be a star.
 
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