Three biggest offseason questions facing Braves

For the first time since 2017, the Atlanta Braves did not win the National League East last season. A tidal wave of injuries to key players pushed the Braves into the wild-card round, and Atlanta couldn't find its rhythm during a two-game road sweep at the hands of the San Diego Padres.

Some of those key injuries from last season will carry over to this season as well, with Ronald Acuna Jr. and Spencer Strider not expected to be ready for the regular-season opener (at San Diego on March 27).

Will those injuries impact how Atlanta approaches the offseason? Let's take a look at three questions facing the Braves this winter.

What does the rotation look like?

While Strider isn't expected to be ready for the 2025 opener, the Braves could also start the season without Max Fried, who was extended a qualifying offer but is expected to leave Atlanta for a long-term deal elsewhere as a host of suitors for his services are ready to offer big dollars.

The cupboard certainly isn't bare in Atlanta, with likely National League Cy Young winner Chris Sale expected to lead the rotation. Additionally, there is talk of the Braves pursuing Nathan Eovaldi to add another front-line starter into the mix. 

Fried's decision and Atlanta's ability to replace him with a big name while hopefully seeing growth from Spencer Schwellenbach and newcomer Griffin Canning will determine exactly how much confidence in the rotation Atlanta takes into spring training.

Is Jarred Kelenic the answer in left field?

When I asked Braves manager Brian Snitker about Kelenic last August, Snitker was quick to tell me he believed the outfielder was "holding his own" in a season where he was asked to take over more leadoff role responsibilities in Acuna's absence. 

Kelenic finished the season slashing .231/.286/.393 for an OPS+ of 87, numbers that didn't live up to the trade that has the 25-year-old in Atlanta through the 2028 campaign. 

That, however, was then, and the Braves are hoping that Kelenic can turn the page and settle into more of a comfort zone in 2025. He's penciled in as the starter in left field to open the season. However, if he struggles early on, don't be surprised if the Braves turn to Ramon Laureano or another option to carry the load at the position.

Who replaces Jorge Soler?

Soler was dealt to the Los Angeles Angels for Canning earlier in the offseason, with the Braves hoping the move helps the rotation. However, Soler was a big part of Atlanta making the postseason last year, slashing .288/.363/.550 with four home runs in 80 September at-bats.

While Soler was a trade-deadline acquisition from the San Francisco Giants and helped the Braves plug the hole created by Acuna's injury, he was a key part of Snitker's second-half outfield deployment. The Braves will now need to find someone who fills the role for Acuna until he returns and can also be a capable replacement when an outfielder (including Acuna) needs a day off.

Soler was a threat at the plate, but certainly struggled at times with his defense. Finding an outfielder who can balance the bat and the glove will likely be a need that is filled by Atlanta this winter.