The Atlanta Braves are entering the 2025 offseason with a significant challenge on their hands. While the team has been fortunate in recent years to maintain a relatively stable roster, this year could be quite different, as a number of key players are reaching free agency.
The Braves’ front office, led by General Manager Alex Anthopoulos, will have some tough decisions to make, particularly as they face potential roster gaps in both pitching and position players. Let’s take a look at the players whose futures with the team are uncertain.
Max Fried: The Ace in the Spotlight
Max Fried is, without question, one of the most important players the Braves have hitting the open market. Fried has been a cornerstone of Atlanta’s rotation for several years, but the team has yet to secure him with a long-term extension.
At 31 years old, Fried will likely be seeking a sizable contract, both in length and annual salary. With starting pitchers commanding as much as $30 million per season in today’s market, the Braves may have a hard time competing for his services if another team comes in with a high offer. Losing Fried would leave a significant hole at the top of the rotation, and replacing him won’t be easy.
Charlie Morton: One Last Ride?
Veteran pitcher Charlie Morton has had a rollercoaster of a season. While he’s provided valuable innings for Atlanta, inconsistency has crept into his game as he nears 41 years old. Morton hasn’t officially announced his retirement, but many speculate that 2024 will be his last season. With a 4.08 ERA and his knack for delivering clutch performances, the Braves will surely miss his leadership if he decides to hang up his cleats.
AJ Minter: The Bullpen Staple
AJ Minter, a fan favorite and key figure in the Braves’ bullpen, is also hitting free agency. Minter’s journey has been marked by both brilliance and injury setbacks. His 2024 season was shortened by hip issues, which led to surgery in August, but he still posted a respectable 2.62 ERA. Despite his injury concerns, Minter’s career numbers and his fit with the clubhouse make him a strong candidate to return in 2025.
A.J. Minter said the Braves haven’t inquired about an extension.
“Obviously, I would love to stay in Atlanta. Who wouldn’t?” he said. “But yeah, that’s something that’s kind of out of my control at the moment.”
From North Port: https://t.co/uXAFVwHuXK
— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) February 14, 2024
Jesse Chavez: The Ageless Wonder
Like Morton, Jesse Chavez is another 40-year-old veteran who may be calling it a career. Chavez has had an incredible, if journeyman-like, career, playing for multiple teams but always seeming to find his best form in Atlanta. While he’s still pitching effectively, Chavez has hinted that 2024 may be his final season, marking the end of a truly remarkable career.
Braves Position Players in Flux
The Braves also face several decisions regarding their position players. Adam Duvall has struggled with consistency at the plate, posting a .182 average in 2024. While he’s had some memorable moments with Atlanta, he may not be the most reliable option moving forward.
Ramón Laureano, on the other hand, has been a revelation for the Braves since his mid-season call-up. His offensive surge, particularly after his return from injury, makes him a prime candidate to return. However, there is some confusion about his contract status, with reports varying on whether he’s a free agent this year or in 2026.
Ramón Laureano takes a solo flight in Miami ✈️ pic.twitter.com/BITipWRpA3
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) September 21, 2024
Utility Players and Bench Strength
Whit Merrifield and Gio Urshela, both mid-season acquisitions, have provided depth and versatility. Merrifield, while not a starter, could still serve as a valuable bench player due to his defensive versatility and decent on-base percentage. Urshela, who filled in admirably for the injured Austin Riley, may not be in the Braves’ plans moving forward once Riley returns to full strength.
Braves Bullpen Puzzle
John Brebbia was another late-season addition, but with underwhelming metrics and limited appearances for the Braves, it’s unclear whether the team will retain him. His strikeout ability is promising, but his overall performance may not be enough to secure him a spot on the roster next year.
The Braves have a lot on their plate this offseason. With key players like Fried and Minter potentially leaving, and veterans like Morton and Chavez contemplating retirement, Atlanta will need to navigate a tricky free agency market to fill these gaps. Alex Anthopoulos has a proven track record of making savvy moves, but this offseason might just be his toughest test yet.
