Let’s talk about the Atlanta Braves offseason because this ride is anything but boring. Every year, we hear the same refrain from certain corners of the fandom: “The Braves aren’t doing enough!” But hold your horses.
The notion that Alex Anthopoulos and the Braves front office would suddenly lose their edge is just as laughable now as it’s always been. This is a team laser-focused on one goal: another World Series run.
Sure, the Braves have indeed been relatively quiet so far. They started by clearing some payroll, which isn’t exactly the kind of splashy headline that sends fans running to buy jerseys. And yes, the potential departure of ace Max Fried has rattled some cages.
Combine that with a few rumored targets signing elsewhere, and it’s no wonder some fans are getting a little antsy. But let’s dig deeper because there’s more to this story.
Tanner Scott: A Logical Fit for Atlanta’s Bullpen
Recently, the Braves have been linked to Tanner Scott, one of the top relievers still on the market. This isn’t just a random name drop—it might be a glimpse into Anthopoulos’ playbook.
Scott would fit Atlanta’s bullpen like a glove. With Raisel Iglesias under contract through 2025, Scott could slide into the closer role in the future, keeping the bullpen rock solid.
Anthopoulos has shown before that he isn’t shy about investing in the pen. Do you remember the Will Smith deal or the trade for Iglesias?
Scott’s potential contract—predicted to land somewhere around four years and $60 million—won’t come cheap, especially in a pitching market that’s gone bananas this offseason.
But here’s the catch: if the Braves do land Scott, that might be their one marquee free-agent signing. And you know what? That’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Trades Could Be the Braves’ Winning Strategy
By investing in a bullpen piece like Scott, the Braves could pivot toward addressing other roster needs through trades instead of free agency.
This approach would let them leverage their prospect capital to snag impact players without breaking the bank on pricey long-term deals. Left field? Rotation depth? Those gaps could be filled by trading for undervalued players or guys on team-friendly contracts.
This strategy might already be in motion. Remember those rumors about the Braves trying to trade for Garrett Crochet? That wasn’t a one-off. It’s part of a broader philosophy that Anthopoulos seems to favor—finding cost-efficient solutions that maximize value.
Patience Pays Off
While the offseason might feel like a slow burn right now, don’t mistake quiet for complacency. The Braves know what they’re doing, and their moves, however deliberate, are aimed squarely at making this roster postseason-ready. For Atlanta, the offseason is a marathon, not a sprint, and the payoff will be worth the wait.
