The Braves’ recent signing of Bryan De La Cruz has landed with a thud among fans, and it’s not hard to see why. If this move had come after addressing some of the team’s glaring needs it might’ve been received as a minor but functional addition.
Atlanta could have, or better yet, should have done something like adding a big bat, bolstering the rotation, or reinforcing the bullpen beforehand.
A Quiet Offseason Leaves Fans Waiting
Instead, De La Cruz, a player who’s managed a negative WAR over the past two seasons, feels less like a strategic acquisition and more like a placeholder.
So, what’s the best thing about De La Cruz? He’s got minor-league options. If he doesn’t make the roster out of Spring Training, fans can catch him with Triple-A Gwinnett.
That’s not exactly the headline Braves Country was hoping for this offseason. The fan base is clearly growing restless, waiting for the big signing that never seems to come. MLB’s Mark Bowman goes into more detail on the matter.
The question of priorities remains: Is the outfield, starting rotation, or bullpen the Braves’ biggest concern? The outfield still stands out as the most glaring void.
And while this signing adds depth, it doesn’t move the needle for a team aiming for another World Series run. De La Cruz’s addition feels particularly underwhelming against the backdrop of a quiet offseason.
Cost-Cutting Moves Make Practical Sense
Cost-cutting moves have defined the Braves’ winter so far. Letting go of fan favorite and clubhouse leader Travis d’Arnaud made financial sense but left a noticeable hole in leadership.
Reworking contracts for Reynaldo López and Aaron Bummer similarly provided future flexibility but didn’t inspire confidence in immediate improvements.
Even non-tendering Ramón Laureano, another practical move, feels like part of a trend: saving for later while the team seems stuck in neutral.
President of Baseball Operations Alex Anthopoulos insists the Braves won’t shy away from exceeding the Competitive Balance Tax (CBT) if the right opportunity arises. Yet, the Braves currently sit about $24 million below that threshold.
That number might sound generous until you consider the ballooning costs of free-agent pitchers. The team’s actions haven’t exactly matched Anthopoulos’ words so far.
Will the Braves Spend Big Before It’s Too Late?
There’s still time to shift the narrative. A big signing or blockbuster trade could reassure fans that the Atlanta Braves are serious about building a contender for 2025.
Until then, the De La Cruz signing symbolizes this offseason’s frustrations. It’s a move that feels more like treading water than making waves.
Fans aren’t wrong to feel a little pessimistic, but perhaps there’s a method to the madness. For now, though, patience is running thin.
