The Braves made a blockbuster trade this offseason, but in free agency, they have been dead silent, spending just over $3 million on roster depth. With not much left on the market and a depleted farm system, I’m not expecting much else before the start of the season. However, there remains plenty of time for a worthwhile move or two.
MLB insider Jim Bowden of The Athletic recently broke down what he’s been hearing regarding each team’s next move. Here’s what he had to say about the Braves:
Braves — exploring the trade market and adding depth
The Braves’ offseason has been mixed; they said goodbye to shortstop Dansby Swanson, but said hello to Sean Murphy, one of the game’s best overall catchers, whom they acquired from the A’s in a three-team trade. They said goodbye to reliever Kenley Jansen, who departed in free agency, but said hello to reliever Joe Jiménez, who arrived in a trade with the Tigers and will slot into the back end of their bullpen. They added a decent platoon player, Jordan Luplow, but still could use a stopgap at shortstop (to buy more time until Vaughn Grissom is ready) and a better outfield option. Elvis Andrus and Jurickson Profar are solid fits for those respective needs. The Braves aren’t looking for stars at this point, but they are trying to trade for infield, outfield and bullpen depth.
As far as free agency goes, I don’t see the Braves busting out their checkbook for Elvis Andrus or Jurickson Profar, as Bowden hints at in the piece. Their bullpen is also pretty much set; although, teams can never have enough pitching, so another depth piece could be on the horizon.
I would love to see the Braves target another outfielder, whether it be via trade or free agency. There are few free agents left on the market, and while the Braves don’t have much to offer in terms of prospects, they do have enough to swing a trade for a left fielder. That’s what I’m hoping for before the start of the season.
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