Atlanta Braves Mailbag: How Atlanta Braves Can Address Offseason Needs for 2025
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ม.ค. 2025
- The Atlanta Braves face a pivotal offseason with key decisions on player health and potential upgrades at shortstop.
With a rotation possibly featuring Spencer Strider, Chris Sale, and Reynaldo Lopez, the Braves are poised for a strong 2025.
However, questions linger about left field and shortstop, with intriguing options like Ezequiel Tovar on the radar.
The Braves' offensive strategy may need a shift towards a balance of power and contact to enhance postseason success.
While payroll is set to rise, the team is unlikely to pursue high-cost free agents like Willy Adames or Max Fried.
Jorge Soler emerges as a potential trade candidate, adding another layer of intrigue.
Will the Braves' strategic choices lead to a championship run? Tune in for an engaging discussion on their path forward.
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Starting pitching has to be priority number 1. Yes we have Strider, Sale, Lopez, Schwellbach but Strider is coming off his second major arm injury, and the other 3 threw way more innings than they have in a long time, if not ever. I think you've got to add 2 starters. I think the outfield is fine with Harris, Kelnic, Ramon, Soler, then Acuna.
Yeah, but Strider's injury might be considered minimal. Strider said the ligament didn't sustain any damage, it was bone fragments that were underneath the ligament that were stretching it and causing irritation, and they performed internal brace surgery as a precaution. As for Sale and Lopez's innings, Sale has pitched as many as 226.2 innings and Lopez has thrown as many as 188.2 innings in a season, so neither one was even close to their all time high in innings pitched.
@@MassBoost I know that's why I said either their all time high or the most they've pitched in a long time. In today's pitching it's hard to imagine at least 2 starters don't get hurt. Braves are losing 2 starters Fried and Morton. I would spend on a big time arm Burnes hopefully. Unless they believe in Anderson, AJSS, Waldrep, Elder enough. I just think Arcia is so cheap and the outfield is in an okay place. Now's the chance to go get a really good starting staff and hope 3 are still healthy come October.
@@QG1234-i5i Right, I'm just clarifying their past workloads have been far bigger, and this isn't the first time Sale took a massive leap in innings. Sale pitched 71 innings out of the bullpen in 2011, then jumped to 192 innings as a starter in 2012. Most people don't realize that Sale started off as a reliever his first 2 years in the majors. We don't know Fried will be gone, but there's probably an above 50% chance he is. Burnes would be a good option depending on the money. Don't forget to add Grant Holmes to that list if possible starters in the system. Holmes was a former 1st round pick by Dodgers and former top 100 prospect, and was a starter for several years coming up through the minors, and I think after this year, the Braves could see him as a possible starter again. Yeah, Arcia at $2mil isn't going to hurt you. Just depends on what's out there, and for how much, might make a decision on what they do this off-season.
@@MassBoost Yeah it'll be an interesting off season. They have options, at the end I don't see them doing a lot. I would like a big starter but I could definitely see them taking Buehler or Bieber type on a one year deal for cheap. Since they have yet to give out a deal over 22 a year. Thankfully we are in a great spot that we really don't need much. You could also sign Adames and package Soler and Arcia for a starter but that feels very unlikely since, like I said they haven't spent over 22 a year and Adames will go for much more than that. There's definitely all sorts of options.
Harris, Kelenic, Ramon, Soler, and a hobbled Acuna would be one of the worst outfields in the majors.
Im now a regular on your youtube channel. I started a few weeks ago. Gonna help spread the word. Keep up the great work!
Atlanta needs to get Freddie Freemon back
They had not won the World Series for 20 years won it in 2023 and they let go of Freddie Freemon
Freddie chose to leave. The Braves didn’t “let go” of him.
Why did they get not signed Freddie Freemon he is in the playoffs And Atlanta is sitting at home
Coaching staff info didn't age well by the time this was posted. The Atlanta Braves fired coaches Kevin Seitzer, Bobby Magallanes, and Sal Fasano on Thursday. You can't believe what anyone says about HR issues until after they happen. You're not going to let someone hear they are being let go in a presser. So AA gave the company line that all would be back, and of course they were ------ UNTIL they weren't.
Hackenburg will be the next good pitcher up
With Ha-Seong Kim switching to Scott Boras. Does that make him less likely to sign with Atlanta.
He was never coming to the Braves
I am ok with Arcia as the shortstop in a healthy Braves line up. I'd rather they focus on the rotation and AJ Minter.
That's because you're logical and not just an emotional arguer. 2 mil for great defense is worth it. We should be able to rely on the 8 other offensively oriented players to provide the run support. If anyone needs to go it's murphy. You can't be getting paid 12mil/year to hit .193
Even if they don't get Minter back, Braves will have Angel Perdomo coming back from Tommy John, and he's a left hander.
@@bullythebooks Murphy's only getting paid $9mil.
@@MassBoost His contract is backloaded and you’re playing semantics. AAV is 12 million. Stop being disingenuous
@@bullythebooks I'm not being disingenuous, I'm just stating facts. It's like signing a young player to a big contract, and not expecting the world in production in the infancy of the contract when his pay is at it's at its minimal. Michael Harris would be another example of that.
Do people really think that paying 4x more for worse defense at shortstop is worth it? I'm just baffled here. How is paying 4x more for .25-30 points of BA worth it when you're sacrificing defense at the most important infield spot? What am I missing here?? You are correct Jake they don't need to really do anything. Our lineup is fantastic.
Why do u assume every SS that can hit, can’t play defense? Why wouldn’t u want to upgrade that position, Arcia is middle of the pack in defense at SS. Look at the numbers… I think u are giving Arcia way too much credit. Weird.
@@Duck_Disciple 10/30 is not middle of the pack, and the most available option that people talk about is Willy Adames who can't play defense. He also dropped off for most of the year he was top 5 defensively. I'm tired of people scapegoating arcia when in reality we were just due regression from last year and dealt with many injuries.
It's not batting average you have to worry about, total offensive production is what needs to be looked at.
@@Duck_Disciple Depending on who you're talking about, we can kind of quantify how good any shortstops defense is.
The facets of Arica’s offensive production is what is damaging. He cannot be in the lineup everyday, unless his glove turns into Andrelton Simmons level. Look at Bichette or McLain in a trade for a SS this winter.
I think we have an older bullpen, it may be good but I think that Waldrep would fit really good in the bullpen because he only has two pitches
That's not true, Waldrep has 4 pitches, Fastball, Spliter, Slider, and Curve, and 3 of the 4 pitches he threw over 20% of the time, and the Curve is his least used pitch.
@@MassBoost I meant that he only has two good pitches
@@ALbaseball17 Not according to scouting reports. They have a 60 grade on his Fastball, 55 grade on his Slider, and 70 grade on his Spliter. 50 is average.
I guess it depends on Ronald Acuna"s recovery time.
GO BRAVES 2025
The nice thing is, Acuna got hurt a full month and a half earlier in the season this year compared to the last time around, thus has the extra time to recover before the start of next season.
Now that we get some confirmation about the coaching staff returning, we get news of 3 coaches being fired.. predicting anything in 2024 is seemingly impossible
This was a pre-recorded episode before they fired 3 of them.
@@eros587 I think what he's talking about is them saying just a couple days ago that all the coaches were going to be coming back, then turning around and firing 3 coaches like a week later. Which means nothing they said about their plans going forward can be taken at face value.
@@kyleOWillFixIt I know, I just pointing it out as there was no mention of it in the podcast.
What about putting her Shelly as a starting shortstop?
What do you think about letting Acuna DH in order to save his legs ? That brings up what to do with Ozuna and Soler.
You’re taking your best hitter for the last 2 years in ozuna and putting him either on the bench or in the outfield. I would just let Ozuna be; also I won’t rush Acuna back in 2025 like maybe they did in the past. If the Braves think Acuna is better at DH than being in the outfield Ozuna contract ends next year than they can make the move
I don't want to lose Ozzie; but like Acuna he's vulnerable to getting hurt regularly and missing playing time.
The injuries like Ozzie has gotten are going happen to most anyone. So not like he is doing something crazy like off the field getting himself hurt
Albies needs some infusion of adamantium.
I also think they should trade Soler, but, as Lindsey pointed out on his pod, the comments made by AA after acquiring Soler this past trade deadline make my think Soler is not going anywhere. AA had been trying to get Soler back for a while.
Lindsey also suggested that Soler's defense this year has dropped his value, and that's untrue as most teams likely see him as a DH, thus his defensive metrics are irrelevant.
AA also said he won't fire any coaches a few days ago, and he yet he did. If he wants to trade Soler, of course he won't say that publicly and drop Soler's trade value. Not to mention if a trade doesn't happen, then you're stuck with a disgruntled player who knows you wanted to trade him.
Spencer - Sale - Anderson - Gray/Eflin - Lopez - Strider I think they need to go with a 6-man starting about May/June
Hi Jake! Since you recorded this podcast, AA has changed his mind in that 3 coaches not returning: hitting coach and assistant hitting coach and a coaching position is being eliminated. Sounds like some big changes brr ed ing made in a few days from the big announcement by AA. Personally, I like this move.
Do you think they will make Max a realistic offer or just let him go and move on?
Marcel great DH
I think Solar was the one mistake made Helped carry that team and then we questioned his consistency but he earned a permanent tenure then I think. Proved can carry a team for a month and in big games. Woujd like him back if affordable to play 2 days a week and ph.
He is on a multiple year contract so he will be back. Think he will be the starting right fielder until Acuna is fully healthy
What can they do really? AA screwed the team by trading for Soler. Surely they will pick up the Ozona's option, which puts Soler as the everyday RF. Why would anyone want to trade for Soler, unless the Braves pay a lot of his salary? I bet they sign a vet pitcher if they lose Morton and Fried. For whatever reason the Braves don't sign pitchers long term. Gray has 2 yrs. about 50 million left, that's what they like 2-3 yrs. for 25 million a yr. I think Alverez will get every chance to start at short. The outfield is screwed up because of Soler. Acuna should be the DH for a few months but won't be able to
What's crazy is this team actually won 1 more game than the 2021 braves which was 88😅I'm fine with the roster as is other than arcia ....we gotta get better at Ss....always thought arcia was a decent bench guy ...definitely not an everyday starter
I’m a everyday listener. Can’t wait to see the team again in North Port
It looks like the braves don't want to win getting rid of all their players
well can we pull from our farm teams of A's, Angels, White Sox to move Soler?
Wouldn't hurt if the Braves could trade Ozona and Soler, even though Ozuna was their best hitter all year. It would open up a lot in the batting order and outfield
Ozuna for the last 2 years been one of the best hitters in all of baseball so it would open up a huge hole. Than with his off field issues he may not bring a great return.
I DON'T like Arcia, BUT, what is wrong with him? I thought he was a good SS?(NOT Great)
For his price of only $2mil, he's fine. Could they upgrade to a better shortstop? Sure. But at what price, and is that price worth it is the question?
Hear me out... Trade Kelenic, Soler and AJSS for Trout. Plug him in left and let the championships roll in.
Would love to see the Braves do nothing, we have an excellent system. Focus on the younger talent, save some money if possible, play it out. We should have a great 2025 lineup with hardly any changes.
ALL playoff games MUST be 7 games!!
You know the algorithm comment vibes
Couldn’t get the question in on time but if you see this: Spotrac says Fried new contract would be 6/$136M for a $22.7M AAV… does that still eliminate the Braves from resigning him or should they move on at that guesstimate?
If that would have any legs rhat deal would have been done already. Apply the inflation to rhat number that bidding will go over 180 millions.
@@eros587 Not true, even if you were to even adjust those numbers for inflation, it would only be around $145mil. No inflation on year 1, 2.5% on year 2, 5.06% on year 3, 7.69% on year 4, 10.38% on year 5, 13.14% on year 6.
@@MassBoost oh I see, you are like Sheldon Cooper. Do it again Alan Greenspan and get the % right, is basic math this one shouldn't be hard 😉.
@@eros587 Not sure who Sheldon Cooper is? You're welcome to share your numbers, and how you came about $180mil.
@@MassBoost Not sure who Sheldon Cooper is? shame on you!! If you can't do the math any 5th grader can, ask for help, is really not that hard.
Can’t wait to hear the discussion about the Phillies early exit. I think they just got a taste of their own medicine with a hot wild card team. Gotta change the playoff format.
Absolutely. They’ll prob dumb it down more and more though
They've been a .500 team since June.
Braves didn’t deserve to be there this year either. One wild card team at most.
Yes they did. It was good to get some vindication.
Good. Anyone but da Phillies.
Don't appreciate Elders inconsistency throwing strikes Smithshover throws too many home runs.
The phillies has been making fun of the braves for early exits and using the byes format as an excuse..i wonde what excuse will them use when the mets wins today 🤔🤣
It's official, the Phillies are out.
I actually went on the Mets Twitter(X) page and congratulated them when they eliminated Philly. Those Phillies talk so much S. They troll like very few other teams. So I had to side with the Mets. But since 2021, the Braves have to fix those issues in the postseason. And that will happen very soon. In the meantime, you gotta keep the Phillies in check. Again, not the city, their baseball franchise.
Hey Jake I'm here live
Gio should play over Arcia
Gio's a free agent.
@@MassBoost listen to the podcast. He said there would be no room for Gio to start so why would he sign with us? He should start over Arcia.
@@nicholaspetrilli3971 You said he should play over Arcia, though he's not on the team, but you're asking why would he sign with the Braves. I'm not following what you're saying? Besides Gio's defensive metrics are short are no better than average at best, so he's a worse shortstop defensively.
@@MassBoost dude I am saying if gio signs he should
Play over Arcia
@@nicholaspetrilli3971 No way, his defensive metrics at short aren't that good. -5 DRS, -3.6 UZR/150, -2 OAA for Urshela's career at short, and his offensive production isn't good enough to compensate for his lack of defense, as he was just a 95 wRC+ with the Braves, and has been just a 99 wRC+ hitter for his career.
You didn't mention Fried for next year? Is he leaving?
Good thing the Rays aren't in the play-offs, Tropicana Field is now roofless.
The only other Shortstop options are guys who are worse defensively and will het paid way more than 2 mil/year. We should keep arcia, resign Laureano to platoon with kelenic and GET RID OF SOLER. He can't play defense at all and he's not worth his big contract.
Ha-Seong Kim is worse defensively? Laureano still has 1 more year of control as he's in his last year of arbitration, thus he's projected for $6.1mil in arbitration next year.
Good early morning Jake
Soler too slow chasing fly balls.
Soler was faster than Max Kepler in sprint speed, and Kepler was one of the better defensive right fielders in baseball.
@@MassBoost what a delusional take. are you trying to argue Soler was a better defender than Kepler?
@@arzdiamondbacks What take was that? I never once argued that Soler was a better defender, only that his speed is faster than Kepler's.
@@MassBoost Then why bring up someone's sprint speed in the first place? Anyone with a lick of knowledge of baseball knows that sprint speed has little to do with fielding ability. Sounds like you're reaching, once again, to defend a Braves player when there's little to defend about Soler's defensive capabilities. Will you still defend him once he's no longer on the team?
@@arzdiamondbacks If someone is making an assertion that "Soler too slow chasing fly balls", and we proved that to no be true, then everyone of equal or lesser speed is not necessarily too slow to get to fly balls. Or they're making a claim that Soler is slower than his actually is, thus this can be proven false. It's no different than in the past the false claims that I use to hear from several people back in the day that Freeman was strikeout prone back in 2014 because he produced 162 strikeouts back then, but in fact it was the bulk sampling of 708 plate appearances that produced thoughs higher totals, as his strikeout rate of 20.5% was right around league average back then. Kepler just has really good routes, thus he gets to balls better while having less speed than Soler on average.
Merriweather or Geoshella can replace any infielder position. Riley bat is the exception. Can't replace him.
Julian Merryweather?
I just can't with this chat , I just .... half you guys live in la la land, hire chipper? he doesnt even want to coach. and the other half, the arcia thing is so redundant, he's getting paid practically nothing. he was never supposed to be a super star. please think that we need to get younger at starting pitching, if you guys truly believe that Spencer Strider will be the old strider, also if you think Sale will make it to the post season, and Lopez will not miss a start, you guys are kidding yourselves.
PS to Blainesfarnswoth's comment
how is merriweather???
investigate and educate, Jake
I like kelnic.
Geraldo Perdomo
You keep talking about offensive approach needs to change and I will keep asking you why and what?
Every team that has won a series in the postseason has hit more HRs than the other team. There have been 48 HR's hit in the 2024 playoffs. There have been 14 Sac Flies and 4 sac hits and 33 SB. So combined, there have been 51 total sac flies/hits and SB and 48 HR. Hitting a HR, as you said, is the most effective way to score runs and is the optimal way to play the game to win. It can be debated whether or not it's the most fun to watch.
Team that have the most SB? KCR: 5 (eliminated), MIL: 5 (eliminated), NYM: 5 (Still alive)
Teams that have the most HR? SDP: 11 (still alive), NYM: 8 (still alive), LAD: 7 (still alive)
fire alex he is no good for the braves he waste money on players that are no good
Players such as?
Charlie. Morton. @@MassBoost