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Alex Anthopoulos outlines Braves offseason priorities

Originally posted on SportsTalkATL | By Chase Irle | Last updated Oct 4, 2025 2:41 PM ET

Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos met with the media on Saturday and provided some insight into the club’s offseason priorities.

As he’s stated before, pitching will be a “point of emphasis” for Atlanta this winter. Anthopoulos reiterated that the Braves plan to bolster both the starting rotation and bullpen after an injury-riddled and inconsistent 2025 season exposed the team’s lack of depth on the mound.

Another priority is retaining shortstop Ha-Seong Kim, who was claimed off waivers from the Rays towards the end of the season and played a pivotal role down the stretch.

Shortstop, starting rotation and bullpen are the obvious #Braves needs this winter. Anthopoulos confirmed that, and said what we already knew — they want Kim, liked everything about the shortstop in his four weeks with Braves.

— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) October 4, 2025

The Braves have been hesitant to spend big on starting pitching, and it’s continued to plague them year after year. Is this finally the offseason Alex Anthopoulos goes out and lands a proven starter? It better be, because outside of Chris Sale and Spencer Schwellenbach, there are no sure things in Atlanta’s current rotation.

The bullpen could also use a complete makeover. The first order of business will be deciding who closes games. Raisel Iglesias is a free agent, and while the Braves could look to bring him back after a strong second half, there will be stiff competition for his services.

Then there’s the Ha-Seong Kim situation, which is fascinating. On paper, Kim’s 2025 numbers don’t scream “opt-out candidate” from his $16 million player option. But now fully healthy, with a strong career track record, and given how thin the shortstop free-agent market is, he could test free agency.

The Braves could try to get out ahead of it by offering a short extension, but dealing with Scott Boras is never easy. If Kim walks, Atlanta must pivot. They cannot patch things over with stopgaps like Nick Allen and Orlando Arcia again. Shortstop is a premier position, one where contenders can’t afford to go cheap.

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This article first appeared on SportsTalkATL and was syndicated with permission.

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