The 2024 season for the Atlanta Braves will be remembered as one of immense potential cut short by a relentless string of injuries. After a stellar 2023, expectations were high for another NL East title run.
But those hopes quickly faded with major injuries, including the losses of ace Spencer Strider and MVP contender Ronald Acuña Jr., which dealt severe blows to the team’s momentum.
Some, however, argue that the Braves’ struggles weren’t just due to bad luck. The front office faced criticism for not making bold enough moves to address the gaps left by their sidelined stars.
With a challenging season behind them, the Braves now face critical decisions to return to contention in 2025. This begins with evaluating the future of three players who may not be back next year.
OF Adam Duvall
Adam Duvall’s 2024 season was a far cry from his earlier success in Atlanta. At 36, Duvall’s batting line plummeted to .182/.245/.323. These stats resulted in a negative WAR that underscored his struggle to contribute on offense and defense. Defensively, his metrics also took a nosedive, with a significantly negative Fielding Runs Value (FRV) and a poor arm rating, making him a liability in the outfield.
As Duvall heads into unrestricted free agency, the Braves will unlikely entertain re-signing him. With his production in steep decline, Duvall’s roster spot would be better used on younger, more versatile talent or a player who can consistently contribute. While Duvall had once been a fan favorite, the Braves can’t afford to keep him on if they hope to contend in 2025.
RHP Cade Kuehler
Cade Kuehler could be a valuable asset for a team looking to shake things up. The 22-year-old right-hander is currently ranked as the Braves’ 10th-best prospect. He has an impressive fastball-slider combo with plenty of upside. Though his minor league performance has been solid, with a 3.30 ERA and 56 strikeouts in 60 innings, he remains buried beneath a loaded deck of top-tier pitching prospects within the Braves system.
Trading Kuehler might offer Atlanta a quick boost. Including him in a deal could bring the Braves an established player, ideally someone who can cover gaps from injuries or add the depth they missed in 2024. For Kuehler, a trade could lead to a faster track to the big leagues, while for the Braves, it could mean securing a key piece to strengthen the roster.
OF Jorge Soler
Jorge Soler’s bat stood out in an otherwise rough season. He posted a .243/.356/.493 line over 49 games with the Braves, hitting nine home runs and driving in 24 runs to inject some much-needed power. But his value at the plate comes with a downside in the field, where he struggled with a -7 Outs Above Average (OAA) and -7 FRV—some of the league’s lowest defensive stats.
With Marcell Ozuna already set as the designated hitter, the Braves have little room to hide Soler’s defensive limitations. Moving his contract to a team that can slot him in as a full-time DH could be the best solution. Soler fits that role far better than the outfield, and a trade would allow Atlanta to focus on finding a more versatile player to meet the team’s needs.
Moving Forward
The 2025 season is all about making the most of Atlanta’s young talent while building the depth needed to handle any injuries along the way. The Braves’ front office will need to make smart moves to fine-tune the roster and reignite their championship aspirations. Through trades or new signings, this offseason will be a defining period for the team, and fans will be keeping a close eye on every decision.
