This story was excerpted from Mark Bowman’s Braves Beat publication. To learn the total publication, click on right here. And subscribe to get it recurrently in your inbox.
The highest two groups on the checklist have been the Mets and the Padres, a pair of groups that paid some huge cash solely to overlook the 2023 postseason. The World Collection champion Rangers, although, ranked third. So, you possibly can’t completely low cost making large offseason strikes. However the Braves ended up successful a Main League-best 104 video games regardless of not vying for that legendary offseason championship.
It’s nice to see followers get enthusiastic about what is going on through the offseason. Dodgers followers ought to be thrilled. That’s good for the sport. It was additionally enjoyable to see D-backs proprietor Ken Kendrick react to the Shohei Ohtani signing by reminding reporters the famous person is only one of 9 gamers for a staff his membership beat on this yr’s postseason.
The offseason is enjoyable, but it surely’s completely different for each staff. Some groups want important upgrades. Different groups simply want some patchwork. On the finish of the day, October is absolutely the one month you wish to win. You possibly can assist your self from November to January, however nothing is assured throughout these winter months.
My mom has at all times preached that it’s not how a lot cash you could have — it’s the way you spend your cash. Spending lavishly is enjoyable. Spending successfully is rewarding.
Listed below are 4 subjects to ponder as we sit up for the upcoming season:
Greatest query to reply earlier than Spring Coaching: Do the Braves want so as to add a beginning pitcher?
Yeah, including a distinction maker like Aaron Nola or Sonny Grey would have given the Braves a confirmed starter who may add important worth in October over the subsequent few years. There are nonetheless different potential distinction makers like Blake Snell on the free agent market. But when the price doesn’t match projected worth, president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos has confirmed he gained’t spend simply to spend.
He gained some insurance coverage with Reynaldo López, who might be used as a starter or reliever. AJ Smith-Shawver, Darius Vines and Allan Winans present additional depth to a rotation that begins with two Cy Younger Award candidates in Max Fried and Spencer Strider. Getting the proper starter may assist. However that is additionally a possible want that might be addressed once more earlier than the Commerce Deadline.
One participant poised to have a breakout season: Jarred Kelenic
In Seattle, Kelenic was at all times going to take care of the stress of being the highest prospect who the Mariners gained after they dealt All-Star nearer Edwin Díaz to the Mets. Yeah, the Braves have made a major monetary funding (practically $17 million) in Kelenic’s future. However in Atlanta, he ought to be free from the stress he felt whereas enjoying with the Mariners.
He’ll have the potential to hit 20-plus homers whereas sitting close to the underside of a lineup that options Ronald Acuña Jr., Austin Riley and Matt Olson. Having the prospect to work with Chipper Jones and the Braves’ many different hitting instructors must also assist this left-handed slugger start to comprehend his nice potential.
Prospect to look at in 2024: Hurston Waldrep
All eyes will likely be on Hurston Waldrep, the heralded right-hander the Braves took out of the College of Florida with the twenty fourth total choose within the 2023 MLB Draft. Waldrep guided the Gators to the brink of a Faculty World Collection title with the help of a powerful splitter. He watched a number of video clips of John Smoltz whereas creating the swing-and-miss pitch. Throughout 4 completely different Minor League ranges in ‘23, Waldrep posted a 1.53 ERA and struck out 41 batters over 29 1/3 innings. He’s nonetheless getting acquainted with the skilled scene, but it surely gained’t be shocking if he arrives in Atlanta sooner or later through the ‘24 season.
One prediction for the brand new yr: Fried takes residence {hardware}
We’ll save the predictions of a seventh straight division title and third straight 100-win season for later. The Braves gained 104 video games with Fried making 13 wholesome begins. We don’t know if Fried will likely be in Atlanta past subsequent season. However we definitely know what sort of competitor he’s. As he distances himself from this yr’s injury-blemished season and prepares for his last season earlier than hitting the free agent market, he appears primed to win the NL Cy Younger Award, which he strongly vied for in 2020 and 2022.
