The Atlanta Braves are facing a challenging offseason as they look to rebound from a tough 2024 season that marked the end of their five-year National League East reign. Injuries to cornerstone players, including Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider, left the team scrambling, eventually landing them in the wild-card round and ending in an early exit against the San Diego Padres. With some of those injuries carrying into 2025, Atlanta’s front office faces crucial decisions to set the team up for a return to division dominance. Here are the three most pressing questions facing the Braves this winter.
What Shape Will the Braves’ Rotation Take?
Pitching depth is at the forefront of Atlanta’s offseason concerns, especially with key starter Spencer Strider projected to miss Opening Day. Even more significantly, the Braves may need to brace for the potential loss of Max Fried, who was extended a qualifying offer but is likely to receive more lucrative offers elsewhere. Fried, a left-hander with elite control and postseason poise, has drawn interest across the league, leaving Atlanta with a major gap to fill in its rotation.
The Braves have Chris Sale, who is likely the upcoming National League Cy Young winner, to lead the staff. Sale has proven to be a dominant force, but if Fried departs, he’ll need additional support at the top. Rumors suggest Atlanta may be interested in pursuing Nathan Eovaldi, a proven starter with both regular season and postseason credentials. Eovaldi could provide the Braves with some of the stability and experience they’ll miss if Fried walks. Alongside Sale, Eovaldi could add another layer of resilience, while Atlanta also hopes for development from younger arms like Spencer Schwellenbach and the recent acquisition of Griffin Canning. Atlanta’s confidence in their rotation come spring training will likely depend heavily on how the Fried situation unfolds and whether a reliable replacement can be secured.
Can Jarred Kelenic Step Up in Left Field?
After a season that saw Kelenic playing a significant role in Acuña’s absence, the Braves are betting on the 25-year-old to find consistency and fulfill the potential that led them to acquire him in a trade. Kelenic’s 2024 numbers—an OPS+ of 87 with a slash line of .231/.286/.393—were underwhelming, especially for a player slotted into a critical leadoff role at times. While Braves manager Brian Snitker praised Kelenic’s adaptability, there’s no doubt the Braves need more from him if he’s to be a long-term fixture in the lineup.
Kelenic’s journey to finding his footing as a starter in left field could be one of the Braves’ biggest storylines early in 2025. The team is prepared to give him the Opening Day start, but they also have backup options in place. Should Kelenic struggle, the Braves have players like Ramon Laureano in the wings, ready to take over if necessary. Laureano brings solid defense and occasional power at the plate, making him an appealing fallback. If Kelenic’s bat doesn’t pick up quickly, expect Atlanta to pivot, prioritizing consistency over potential in left field.
Who Will Fill Jorge Soler’s Shoes?
The Braves made a calculated decision when they traded Jorge Soler to the Los Angeles Angels, receiving pitcher Griffin Canning in return. While bolstering the rotation was a priority, losing Soler leaves a void in the lineup that the Braves will need to fill this winter. Soler was a mid-season acquisition from the San Francisco Giants and proved to be a crucial piece in Atlanta’s playoff push, slashing .288/.363/.550 with four home runs in September alone. His power at the plate provided balance for a lineup that had been missing Acuña, though his defense could be shaky at times.
As they assess potential replacements, the Braves will be on the lookout for an outfielder who brings both offensive production and defensive reliability. This player needs to bridge the gap until Acuña is ready to return and serve as a dependable backup when he or other outfielders need rest days. The ability to balance the bat with solid defense will be essential for whoever steps into this role. Atlanta may explore free-agent options or look to smaller trades, aiming to bring in someone who can provide power, especially in late-game situations, without compromising the team’s defensive integrity.
With a clear need to address depth in the rotation, reinforce the outfield, and recover from an injury-laden season, the Braves face an offseason of strategic moves. How Atlanta’s front office navigates these questions will be crucial in determining whether they can reclaim their place at the top of the National League East and make another deep postseason run. Braves fans can expect a proactive winter as the team builds toward what they hope will be a healthier, more resilient 2025.
