The Atlanta Braves are doing what they do best—building quietly, piece by piece, while the fanbase collectively dreams of splashier headlines. It’s not flashy, but it’s practical.
As the offseason winds down, Alex Anthopoulos and company are putting the finishing touches on the team’s depth chart, even if it’s not quite the headline-grabbing offseason many hoped for.
Let’s dig into the recent moves and what they mean for the 2025 campaign.
Braves Add Catching Depth with Curt Casali Signing
The Braves have reportedly signed veteran catcher Curt Casali to a minor league deal. It’s fair to say this move isn’t exactly setting social media ablaze, but there’s a method to the madness.
Casali, who’s been in the league for 11 years, had a rough 2024 season with the San Francisco Giants. In 41 games, he slashed a paltry .194/.293/.250, and his defensive metrics—once a strong point in his game—significantly declined.
Pop time? They are near the bottom of the league. Blocks above average? Also rough. But this signing isn’t about Casali becoming the next great Braves backstop. It’s about competition, options, and insurance.
If Casali has a solid spring, he could potentially push for a backup role behind Sean Murphy while providing another experienced presence. However, the likely scenario is that he adds depth to the mix alongside Chadwick Tromp and others.
Injuries are inevitable in a grueling 162-game season, and having a veteran like Casali stashed in the minors could come in handy.
Sean Newcomb Tries to Revive Career in Boston
Meanwhile, former Braves top prospect Sean Newcomb is back in the news, but it’s not in Atlanta’s plans this time. Once pegged as a future ace, the lefty signed a minor league deal with the Boston Red Sox.
Newcomb’s struggles with command have been well-documented. His recent performance with the Oakland Athletics didn’t help build confidence. He logged a 6.30 ERA over just 10 innings last year, walking eight batters in the process.
Unless he’s undergone a dramatic transformation, Newcomb’s future likely resides in Boston’s minor league system as he works to revive his career.
International Free Agent Market
On a more exciting note, the Braves continue to flex their muscles in the international free agent (IFA) market.
The team recently signed five Venezuelan pitchers: Luisberth Valdez, Wuillinger Tovar, Diego Areinamo, Jacksel Labastida, and Jesus Cova. While these young arms aren’t the marquee names of the class, they represent a low-risk, high-reward strategy.
The Braves have made a name for themselves in uncovering gems in the IFA market, and this year’s class is no exception. Headliners Diego Tornes and Raudy Reyes remain the stars of the group, but every name added is another chance to find a future impact player.
This measured approach may not rival the Dodgers’ blockbuster acquisitions, but it’s a reminder of how Anthopoulos operates.
The Braves are playing the long game, ensuring that their depth and development pipeline are ready to withstand the full MLB season.
