The new year has arrived, and for Atlanta Braves fans, it’s a mix of hope, frustration, and a whole lot of “what’s the plan here?”
The offseason buzz has been more like a faint hum, with big moves notably absent. Losing Max Fried stung, and while payroll space has been cleared, the Braves have yet to make the splash fans were hoping for.
The void grows louder with players like Garrett Crochet, Willy Adames, and Nathan Eovaldi finding homes elsewhere.
Max Scherzer and the Braves: A Match or a Mirage?
The latest speculation ties the Braves to Max Scherzer. At 40, Scherzer isn’t exactly the dominant force of his prime, but he’s still Max Scherzer.
The injury risks are real—his recent seasons have been stop-and-go—but few pitchers can match his intensity and experience when he’s on. The Braves are weighing the gamble, and multiple teams are reportedly interested, including Atlanta.
A healthy Scherzer could be the final piece for a rotation already featuring Spencer Strider, Chris Sale, and Reynaldo Lopez, but is he worth the risk? That’s the big question.
Braden Shewmake’s Journey Hits a Wall
Remember Braden Shewmake? He was drafted in 2019 as a promising bat-first prospect, but Shewmake’s story took a turn when his glove overshadowed his bat.
He struggled to hit consistently, and after being shipped to the White Sox in the Aaron Bummer trade, injuries and underwhelming performance sealed his fate.
Chicago designated him for assignment to clear roster space, marking a sharp decline for a player once viewed as a key piece of Atlanta’s future.
Catching Depth Takes Another Hit
Meanwhile, the Braves minor-league catcher Sebastian Rivero is heading west, signing with the Angels.
Though Rivero wasn’t a marquee name, his departure underscores Atlanta’s thinning depth at catcher following Travis d’Arnaud’s exit.
Chadwick Tromp and prospect Drake Baldwin appear poised to back up Sean Murphy in 2025, but neither option provides the stability fans might want behind the plate.
What’s Next for the Braves?
For now, Braves fans are left to wait—and speculate. While the roster doesn’t require an overhaul, the lack of action feels unusual for a team in its championship window.
The Scherzer rumors are intriguing, but until something concrete happens, it’s hard to shake the feeling that this offseason has been a missed opportunity so far.
Stay tuned—things could heat up quickly, or the Braves could keep us guessing all the way to Opening Day.
