Well, Braves fans, let’s all take a deep breath. Because if the Braves’ offseason were a movie, it would be one of those slow-burn thrillers where you keep waiting for a plot twist that just hasn’t arrived yet. But maybe Alex Anthopoulos is just the master of the late-game twist, and the real fireworks are still coming.
It started with a bang — trades, declined options, non-tenders — a veritable roster purge that everyone thought, Okay, they’re clearing space for the big names. And then? Crickets.
The Winter Meetings flew by, and aside from picking up some Rule 5 guys (probably not the “blockbuster moves” fans envisioned), it’s been eerily quiet on the “improving the roster” front.
Who’s Already Gone From The Braves?
The exodus of talent began with Jorge Soler, who was shipped off to the Angels — a move that wasn’t shocking given his lackluster 2024 season. But then came Travis d’Arnaud.
That one stung. d’Arnaud is more than just a solid catcher; he’s a leader who helps hold the pitching staff together. His departure could ripple through the team more than anyone wants to admit.
And speaking of departures that hurt: Max Fried. Losing him wasn’t a surprise — everyone knew his price tag was going to be steep — but seeing him in pinstripes is still tough to swallow. The Yankees backed up a money truck for him, and the Braves couldn’t compete.
Rounding out the exits is Huascar Ynoa, who returned to the Twins after struggling with injuries. It’s not a massive loss, but it’s another body gone from the pitching depth chart.
Who Could Technically Return To The Braves?
Now, we enter the land of “Maybe.” These guys are free agents, but a couple of them still feel like they could boomerang back to Atlanta if the stars align (and the price tags drop).
Charlie Morton is one of those names. He’s getting up there in age, but he still has the stuff to be a solid rotation piece. The Braves might bite if his asking price hovers around $10 million or less. And let’s be honest — who wouldn’t want another year of Morton’s steady hand in the rotation?
Then there’s A.J. Minter. He’s drawing interest from the Braves and other teams, but his return hinges on how healthy he is post-hip surgery. If the medical reports are kind, there’s a good chance Atlanta will bring him back to shore up the bullpen.
As for Jesse Chavez, the guy is basically a Brave in spirit, even if he’s technically a free agent. You just know he’s got his cleats hanging by the door, waiting for that inevitable “break glass in case of emergency” call from Anthopoulos.
Luke Jackson? Probably not happening. His second stint with Atlanta was rough, and the bullpen might be moving on. Ramon Laureano also seems like a long shot now that the Braves are sniffing around other outfield options.
And Griffin Canning? Well, his Braves career was over before it started. Non-tendered almost immediately, he was more of a salary-clearing pawn than a legitimate roster piece.
What’s The Plan Here?
That’s the million-dollar question. Braves fans were bracing for bold moves, and so far, the front office has been as quiet as a pitcher’s mound after a walk-off homer.
But this is baseball, and if there’s one thing everyone knows about Alex Anthopoulos, it’s that he doesn’t do predictable. Maybe the moves are brewing behind the scenes. Maybe the Braves are gearing up for a surprise strike to fill those glaring holes.
Or maybe — just maybe — they’re waiting for the perfect moment to blow our minds.
Hang tight, Braves Country. The offseason drama might just be getting started.
