Breaking Down the Braves’ Next Possible Moves After Profar

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Potential Next Moves for the Braves After Signing Jurickson Profar
Potential Next Moves for the Braves After Signing Jurickson Profar

After a relatively quiet offseason, the Atlanta Braves made a big move by signing outfielder Jurickson Profar to a three-year, $42 million deal. And let’s be honest—this move brings a sigh of relief.

Profar gives the Braves outfield a solid boost heading into 2025, where he’ll likely slot in alongside Michael Harris II and Ronald Acuña Jr., forming what could be one of the league’s most dynamic trios.

But it’s not just about his defense—Profar’s versatility at the plate offers Atlanta some much-needed flexibility, whether that’s at the top of the order or somewhere in the middle.

So, with the outfield locked down, what’s next for the Braves and GM Alex Anthopoulos? There’s still work to do, and a few areas stand out as key priorities.

Starting Rotation – The Big Question Mark

Starting Rotation – The Big Question Mark

Let’s talk pitching because if there’s one thing the Braves need to shore up, it’s the starting rotation. Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Reynaldo López, and Spencer Schwellenbach could be a formidable group if everyone stays healthy.

But let’s be real—162 games is a long season, and the Braves have needed upwards of 10 starters to get through it in recent years. Banking on good health alone just isn’t enough.

Right now, the free-agent market still has some intriguing options—names like Jack Flaherty, Andrew Heaney, Nick Pivetta, and Jose Quintana are all still out there.

None of them may be franchise-altering signings, but they could provide some much-needed stability at the back end of the rotation. And let’s not forget the trade market.

Anthopoulos has shown he’s not afraid to pull the trigger on the right deal, and you have to think he’s got his eye on a few potential targets.

The Braves Bullpen Shuffle

The Braves Bullpen Shuffle

The bullpen? Well, it’s looking a little thin, especially after losing Joe Jiménez to knee surgery and A.J. Minter to the Mets.

Raisel Iglesias is still the guy for the ninth inning, and lefties Aaron Bummer and Dylan Lee should hold things down on their side.

The right-handers? Pierce Johnson, Grant Holmes, and possibly Daysbel Hernández offer some solid options, but depth is always key.

We know Anthopoulos values a strong bullpen and isn’t afraid to invest resources to keep it elite.

Whether that means a free-agent signing or a late-spring trade, don’t be surprised if the Braves make a few more additions here before Opening Day.

Shortstop – The Lingering Question

Shortstop – The Lingering Question

The one position that has everyone talking is shortstop. Orlando Arcia is penciled in for another year.

After a rough 2024 season at the plate (especially in clutch situations), there’s some doubt about his long-term fit. The problem? The market for shortstops isn’t exactly brimming with options.

Ha-Seong Kim is the only notable free agent left, but with his injury recovery timeline and the fact that he’s a Scott Boras client, things get complicated.

And historically, Anthopoulos hasn’t been a fan of opt-out clauses, which Kim will likely push for. Could a trade happen? Maybe.

But at this offseason stage, a quality shortstop will unlikely become available. So, for now, it looks like Arcia will get another shot.

Final Thoughts On Current Braves Situation

Final Thoughts On Current Braves Situation

Signing Profar was a strong move, as he brings a needed boost to the lineup. If his adjustments last season were the real deal, he could be a steal at $14 million per year.

There’s always a risk that 2024 was a career outlier, but the Braves are betting it’s sustainable. The good news is there’s still time to fill the remaining holes. With some money left to spend, expect Anthopoulos to stay aggressive.

With spring training inching closer, the next few weeks could be crucial for Atlanta’s final roster tweaks.