If you’re a Braves fan, you’ve probably been looking at this offseason and wondering if the front office hit the snooze button and never woke up. It’s been quiet. The roster is still loaded with talent, but the lack of action from the Braves is making fans a little antsy. It’s hard to blame them. There has not even been a real whisper about a big name signing.
Max Fried and Charlie Morton on Their Way Out
The real gut punch here is Max Fried. The lefty ace packed his bags and is now wearing pinstripes for the Yankees. It was not exactly the farewell party that Braves fans had hoped for. Then there’s Charlie Morton, the reliable vet. He hasn’t officially left yet, but let’s just say the writing’s on the wall. Could the Braves re-sign Morton? Sure. But it’s about as likely as your grandma hitting a 100 MPH fastball.
Trouble Brewing for Braves Next Offseason
And if that wasn’t enough to stir up some unease, next offseason could bring even more turbulence. Zachary Rotman from FanSided has already predicted the Braves will part ways with star DH Marcell Ozuna before 2026. The guy who just smashed 40 home runs last season might be out the door soon. Why? Money talks — and sometimes it says, “No thanks.”
Ozuna’s Price Tag Might Be Too High
According to Spotrac, Ozuna is expected to ink a four-year, $77 million deal once he hits free agency after 2025. That’s roughly $25 million a year for a guy who, let’s be honest, is pretty much glued to the DH spot at this point in his career. He’ll be 34, and while his bat is still doing the job, his defensive days are behind him. That price tag? Probably too steep for the Braves, who have shown time and time again that they’re not sentimental when it comes to contracts. Just ask Freddie Freeman. Or Dansby Swanson. Or, more recently, Max Fried.
Anthopoulos’ Track Record: Find a Cheaper Alternative
Rotman sums it up perfectly, saying GM Alex Anthopoulos will likely do what he always does: find a cheaper, maybe even better, alternative. It’s a pattern Braves fans know all too well. Ozuna could have another monster season in 2025. Atlanta would still likely let him test the waters of free agency while Anthopoulos goes bargain-hunting and pulls off another savvy move. It’s frustrating, but it’s also the business of baseball.
A Tough Pill to Swallow for Braves Fans
Let’s be real — plenty of teams out there are willing to cough up the cash for a guy like Ozuna, but the Braves? They’re not known for splurging on aging sluggers. The strategy has worked so far (hello, 2021 World Series champs), but it doesn’t make these goodbyes any easier.
So, for those hoping the Braves might shake things up this offseason or lock in a long-term deal with Ozuna, it’s probably time to temper expectations. The silence from Atlanta’s front office might just be a preview of more tough decisions ahead. Buckle up, Braves fans. It’s going to be an interesting ride.
