The Braves’ offseason strategy is drawing attention—not for splashy signings or blockbuster trades, but for a payroll purge that has fans scratching their heads. President of Baseball Operations Alex Anthopoulos has been busy shedding salary, which has freed up approximately $45 million but left plenty of questions about what comes next.
The roster uncertainty looms large. Max Fried and Charlie Morton may not return, Spencer Strider and Ronald Acuña Jr. are projected to start the season on the injured list, and Joe Jiménez might be sidelined for the year. These challenges have complicated the Braves’ offseason priorities. Once set on addressing a handful of key needs, the organization faces an extensive to-do list, including filling potential gaps in the rotation and outfield.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic shed light on the situation, reporting that Anthopoulos is trimming wherever he can to prepare for an offseason full of moves. The strategy may allow the team to be nimble as they address their needs, but it hasn’t been without sacrifices. Jorge Soler’s trade to the Angels saved the Braves $32 million, and declining Travis d’Arnaud’s $8 million option raised eyebrows. Additionally, non-tendering arbitration-eligible players like Ramón Laureano and Griffin Canning saved another $10 million but left holes in the lineup.
Braves Need To Focus On The Outfield This Offseason
The Braves are in a favorable position to rebuild their outfield at a lower cost despite the uncertainty. The free-agent market is flush with outfielders, offering options from high-profile stars like Juan Soto and Anthony Santander. Other options are more economical choices such as Michael Conforto, Max Kepler, and Mark Canha.
Rosenthal suggests the Braves are particularly interested in left-handed hitters, though they’ll remain flexible if a better right-handed fit emerges. With Acuña expected back a month or two into the season, the Braves do not need to shop at the top of the market, allowing them to wait for bargains as the dust settles.
While the outfield offers flexibility, pitching is where Anthopoulos may strike first. The Braves have a history of quick action in the offseason, and with potential departures from Fried, Morton, and others, they’ll likely move aggressively to shore up their rotation and bullpen. Rosenthal notes that the abundance of outfield options allows the Braves to focus their initial efforts on pitching before turning to other needs.
The Braves’ strategy is one of patience. Cutting payroll now provides financial flexibility to address critical needs later. As the free-agent market unfolds, the team is poised to take advantage of both pitching and outfield opportunities. Fans may not be thrilled with the initial moves, but the coming weeks will reveal whether this cautious approach pays off for a team with championship aspirations.
