Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos heads to Las Vegas this week with a clear mission. The team needs to fix a right-handed hitting gap that hurt them all season. According to MLB.com Braves data, the team finished 26th among 30 clubs with a .679 OPS from right-handed batters last season. That number tells a painful story about the lineup. The team did well from the left side with a .751 OPS, but the right side remains a problem. Anthopoulos and his staff will spend the next few days talking to other executives to find answers.
The phrase “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” won’t apply to the information gathered during this week’s General Meetings, according to MLB.com Braves. The league expects teams to share more than usual before a potential lockout starts on December 1. This annual event gives every team a chance to shape the free-agent and trade markets. The Braves have four specific areas they must address to stay competitive in 2027.
The Right-Handed Bat Must Return
The biggest hole sits in left field and the designated hitter spot. Austin Riley and Sean Murphy have seen their production drop, while Jurickson Profar will not return due to a performance-enhancing drug suspension. The Braves need a strong right-handed presence on a daily basis. Although Mike Yastrzemski can contribute in some plate appearances, his final 99 games saw a .768 OPS against right-handed pitching following a poor start. That stat shows he can hit, but the team needs more power from that side. Randy Arozarena and Seiya Suzuki lead the free-agent market as the premier right-handed-hitting outfielders available. Both received a qualifying offer this past week. If they decline, the cost includes the loss of multiple Draft picks and $1 million from the international bonus pool.
Some might argue a platoon partner for Yastrzemski is enough. The World Series champion Brewers placed sixth across MLB with a .769 OPS generated from their left-field position. But the Braves need a stronger right-handed presence every day. They require a player capable of facing left-handed starters in left field and filling in as designated hitter while Drake Baldwin catches. Identifying this specific player remains the highest priority on their agenda.
Rotation Uncertainty and Prospect Hope
The pitching staff faces its own set of challenges. Regrettably, the Braves cannot count on Spencer Strider or Spencer Schwellenbach to be vital rotation parts next year. Their health and availability remain major questions marks for the upcoming season. This uncertainty forces the front office to look for more options in the trade market or free agency. They cannot simply wait for these pitchers to be ready without a backup plan.
While the big league rotation worries fans, the farm system shows bright spots. Battery Power reports that Tate Soutisene and Brigg Mckenzie have been two of the most impressive talents this year. Both prospects took part in the AFL All-Star game, concluding a highly successful AFL campaign for each. Both prospects’ performance in the AFL All-Star game continued an impressive 2026 season for both players. The Braves hope this marks a continued ascension in development for these young arms. JR Ritchie debuted in the MLB this season yet appeared unready to serve as a reliable rotation member. The organization needs to balance big-league needs with the growth of these young pitchers.
A Weirder Than Usual Offseason
The atmosphere around these meetings feels different due to the looming labor issues. Battery Power notes that the GM Meetings this week might act as a “Winter Meetings Lite” since a December 1st lockout seems almost certain. Teams seeking to complete offseason tasks could generate more rumors and moves than typical this year. Alex Anthopoulos consistently states these meetings function as venues to establish deal foundations instead of finalizing transactions. His view isn’t a unanimous one among other executives. Some teams might push hard for big deals now to beat the lockout, while others might hold back.
The last major collective bargaining agreement saw a ton of money in huge deals handed out. While the free agent market is not robust, teams might still offer significant funds to Tarik Skubal and Trevor Rogers. Whether any interest exists to act before the lockout itself determines this outcome. The Braves must navigate this strange landscape carefully. They have the money and the need, but the timing is tricky. The clock is ticking on the current season, and the next few days in Vegas will set the tone for the rest of the winter.
Braves executives will join the group spending the next few days at the GM Meetings in Las Vegas.
