The Braves 2024 offseason is officially looking more complicated than anyone expected. What began as a relatively straightforward plan to address a few roster holes has quickly morphed into a series of challenges that General Manager Alex Anthopoulos needs to tackle if Atlanta’s going to get back on top in 2025. Let’s dive into the mounting concerns surrounding the bullpen, rotation, and outfield as the Braves look to navigate their way back to the postseason.
Injury Woes in the Rotation and Bullpen
Let’s start with the rotation. The Braves could be facing an uphill battle without Max Fried, whose contract status is still up in the air, and Charlie Morton, who may not return. But that’s only the beginning. Spencer Strider, who fans saw as a rock-solid piece of the starting lineup, now faces a rehab period that could keep him sidelined for the beginning of 2025. So Anthopoulos may not just need a new starter—he might need two. For a team that’s been so dominant on the mound, that’s not a small task.
Then there’s the bullpen. Joe Jimenez, one of Atlanta’s high-leverage arms, is undergoing surgery, adding yet another item to Anthopoulos’s list. To make things more urgent, A.J. Minter, a reliable reliever, is testing free agency. So that means the Braves aren’t just looking for one replacement—they’re likely going to need multiple pieces to shore up the bullpen. If Anthopoulos doesn’t move quickly, a shaky bullpen could become a real headache for Atlanta’s pitching staff.
Outfield Uncertainty with Acuna and Kelenic
Now, for the outfield situation, it’s clear that Ronald Acuna Jr.’s injury status is looming large. Acuna’s explosive talent is something Atlanta relies on heavily, but back-to-back ACL injuries mean his availability is anything but certain. Even when he returns, there are questions about whether he’ll be in the lineup daily or if the team will preserve him with more off-days. The outfield’s current state suggests Atlanta may need a full-time right fielder for at least the beginning of the season.
Then there’s left field, where the Braves have struggled to find consistent production. Jarred Kelenic, who arrived with the promise of great potential, ended up delivering mixed results. His .231 average, 133 strikeouts, and .286 OBP haven’t inspired confidence, even if he hit a career-high 15 home runs.
When Anthopoulos spoke with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, his comments about Kelenic’s future were noncommittal at best. Anthopoulos noted, “The only locks, when everyone is healthy, for the outfield…are Ronald (Acuña) and (Michael) Harris (II).” Not exactly a ringing endorsement of Kelenic’s position, right?
Yet, despite his struggles, it seems Kelenic will get a shot—at least for now. Anthopoulos acknowledged that “he’s still a young player” and hinted at the organization’s hope that Kelenic could hold down the lower part of the lineup and offer solid defense. The takeaway? Kelenic has an opportunity, but it’s more of a last chance to prove himself. Once Acuna returns to full health, Kelenic’s role could fade quickly, especially if he starts the season with another slump.
The Stakes for 2025
In short, Anthopoulos has a full plate. He needs to keep the Braves rotation steady, rebuild a bullpen missing key arms, and plug the gaps in an outfield riddled with question marks. The Braves are still expected to be contenders in 2025, but the path there is looking a lot rockier than fans might’ve anticipated.
This offseason will be a defining one for the Braves front office. It’s not just about finding replacements. It’s about building a roster that can absorb these injuries, handle the inevitable slumps, and still make a strong push for October baseball.
