The Atlanta Braves have had a relatively quiet offseason so far, with their only significant move being the trade of Jorge Soler to the Los Angeles Angels. This has led to speculation that the club is being cautious about its payroll, particularly as they risk surpassing the luxury tax threshold for a third consecutive year. Such a move would result in hefty tax penalties and the loss of ten spots in the first round of the 2026 draft.


Despite this slow start, Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos has assured reporters, including David O’Brien of The Athletic, that the team is willing to exceed the luxury tax again this year to address their needs.


The Braves' initial offseason plans were disrupted by troubling medical updates on key players Ronald Acuna Jr. and Spencer Strider, as well as reliever Joe Jimenez. Both Acuna and Strider are not expected to be ready for Opening Day and could be sidelined until well into May. Jimenez, who underwent knee surgery, will likely miss most, if not all, of the 2025 season.


These injuries have forced the Braves to reconsider their financial strategies. According to O’Brien, the club would not have restructured the contracts of Reynaldo Lopez and Aaron Bummer, nor declined the club option of veteran catcher Travis d’Arnaud, if not for the added pressure to strengthen their outfield, rotation, and bullpen.


As the offseason progresses, the Braves will need to navigate these challenges carefully to maintain their competitive edge. With the willingness to surpass the luxury tax, they may still make significant moves to fill the gaps left by these injuries and continue to contend in the upcoming season.

The Boston Red Sox may be set to return most of their 2024 rotation for the 2025 season, but they're still seeking key upgrades to enhance their postseason prospects. With the anticipated debut of Lucas Giolito, who missed the previous season due to an elbow injury, the Red Sox are looking to add one or two more pitchers to their roster. Notably, the team has expressed interest in securing free-agent starter Max Fried.

Potential Acquisition: Max Fried
Just how much would the Red Sox have to invest to bring Fried into the fold? Earlier this offseason, MLB insider Jon Heyman predicted that Fried could sign a six-year, $166 million deal. Potential suitors include the Red Sox, New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, Baltimore Orioles, New York Mets, Chicago Cubs, and San Francisco Giants. Given Heyman's connections with various agents, and considering Fried is represented by CAA, this prediction holds significant weight.

Financial Implications
Should the Red Sox pursue Fried, this deal would represent the second-largest contract ever given to an outside free agent in the club’s history. The largest remains the seven-year, $217 million contract awarded to David Price in December 2015.

Strategic Importance
Adding a left-handed pitcher of Fried’s caliber could significantly elevate the Red Sox's rotation. Fried's impact on the mound would complement the existing roster, providing much-needed balance and skill to boost the team's chances of making a deep postseason run.

Looking Ahead
​With their eyes set on a return to contention, the Red Sox are poised to make strategic moves this winter. Securing Max Fried could be a game-changing decision, demonstrating Boston's commitment to building a formidable pitching staff and aiming for World Series glory.

The Atlanta Braves have signed pitcher Connor Gillispie to a one-year, non-guaranteed contract, as announced on Friday night. While financial details were not disclosed, this deal places the 27-year-old on Atlanta’s 40-man roster. If released before the end of Spring Training, Gillispie will only receive a portion of his contract.

Gillispie made his MLB debut on August 4th against the Orioles but spent most of the season in Cleveland's Minor League system. During his brief time in the majors, he allowed four hits and two earned runs over eight innings in three appearances. For Triple-A Columbus, Gillispie posted a 4.05 ERA in 27 appearances (15 starts) this year.

​With Joe Jiménez likely to miss most or all of the 2025 season, the Braves' bullpen currently includes closer Raisel Iglesias, Pierce Johnson, Aaron Bummer, Daysbel Hernandez, Grant Holmes, and Dylan Lee. Gillispie's experience as a starter could make him a valuable candidate for long relief duties, providing the Braves with additional depth and flexibility in their bullpen as they prepare for the upcoming season.

The Atlanta Braves have signed infielder José Devers to a minor league contract, as reported by Aram Leighton of Just Baseball and confirmed by MLBTR. The deal includes an invitation to major league spring training for the Rep 1 Baseball client.

Devers, who turns 25 next week, was once a highly regarded prospect but has yet to fully live up to the expectations. Originally an international signing by the Yankees, he was traded to the Marlins in December 2017 as part of the Giancarlo Stanton deal. Known for his athletic defense and strong contact abilities, Devers, the cousin of Rafael Devers, was ranked among the top 15 prospects in Miami’s system by Baseball America from 2019 to 2022.

In December 2020, the Marlins added Devers to their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft. However, a significant shoulder injury sidelined him for much of the next two seasons. He played just 33 games between the majors and minors in 2021 and underwent surgery in August of that year to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. His recovery extended into the following season, limiting him to 60 minor league games in 2022. Devers cleared waivers and was outrighted off Miami’s roster at the end of 2022.

​In 2023, Devers remained in Triple-A, where he posted a respectable campaign with a .276/.352/.421 slash line and a 14.8% strikeout rate, earning a 108 wRC+. However, injuries again hampered his 2024 season, limiting him to 54 Triple-A games, where he hit .239/.304/.362 for a 74 wRC+. He briefly joined the major league roster during the Marlins' lost season, compiling a .244/.300/.311 line in 50 plate appearances. With his contract expiring, Devers elected free agency at the end of the season.

The Atlanta Braves have made strategic moves to bolster their pitching depth by re-signing left-handers Ray Kerr and Royber Salinas to minor league contracts. Additionally, the team has signed left-hander Kolton Ingram to a minor league deal, according to MLB.com’s transaction tracker.

Ray Kerr's Comeback Journey
Kerr, who started his major league career with the San Diego Padres, posted a 4.33 ERA and a 4.18 FIP in 27 innings during the 2023 season, with an impressive strikeout rate of 30.3%. This promising performance led the Braves to acquire him last winter, even taking on Matt Carpenter’s contract to facilitate the deal. Unfortunately, Kerr struggled early in the season, recording a 5.64 ERA in 10 appearances before undergoing Tommy John surgery in June. Now re-signed, Kerr will continue his rehabilitation with the Braves, aiming for a potential return in the second half of the 2025 season.

Royber Salinas: A Familiar Face Returns
Salinas, who was recently claimed off waivers from the Oakland A’s, is no stranger to the Braves organization. Originally signed by Atlanta out of Venezuela as an international amateur, Salinas was traded to the A's in the deal that brought Sean Murphy to the Braves. During his time with the A's, Salinas faced challenges in the upper minors, posting a 5.48 ERA in his first Double-A stint, though he improved to a 3.68 ERA this year before a rough stretch resulted in seven runs over 6 1/3 innings. Salinas will provide non-roster bullpen depth for the Braves, especially critical with A.J. Minter's free agency and Joe Jimenez’s surgery.

Kolton Ingram: A Fresh Opportunity
Ingram, who spent the 2024 season across four Triple-A organizations, brings a solid track record to the Braves. Over 51 2/3 innings, Ingram maintained a 3.66 ERA while striking out 23.7% of batters. His brief major league experience came with the Angels in 2023, where he had a challenging debut with an 8.44 ERA over 5 1/3 innings. With a year of additional development, Ingram will seek to reestablish himself and possibly earn a spot in Atlanta’s big league roster.

​As the Braves look ahead to the 2025 season, these signings reinforce their commitment to building a deep and flexible pitching staff.

The Baltimore Orioles and Atlanta Braves are among the teams expressing interest in free agent right-hander Nathan Eovaldi, according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi.

Eovaldi's Fit and Performance
Eovaldi, who will turn 35 in February, is a viable option for many teams despite his age and injury history. He is unlikely to secure a long-term contract due to his medical background, which includes two Tommy John surgeries. However, Eovaldi's consistent performance in recent years keeps him in high demand. MLB Trade Rumors has projected him to receive a $44 million guarantee on a two-year deal, with the possibility of a third year.

Over the past five years, Eovaldi has made 115 starts, posting a 3.75 ERA. His annual ERA has never exceeded 3.87 during this period. His strikeout rates have ranged from 22.4% to 26.1%, his walk rates from 3.5% to 8.1%, and his ground ball rates from 42% to 51%. Overall, he has pitched 654 2/3 innings with a 24% strikeout rate, a 5.6% walk rate, and a 46.9% ground ball rate. Such consistent performance would enhance any team's rotation.

Suitors and Market Competition
Many teams, including the Texas Rangers, have shown interest in bringing Eovaldi on board. He has also been linked to the Braves, the Boston Red Sox, and now the Orioles. Given his performance and relatively affordable contract, it's likely that several other clubs are also eyeing Eovaldi, even if they haven't been publicly reported.

Baltimore's Rotation Needs
For the Orioles, Eovaldi represents a logical fit due to their rotation needs. With their 2024 ace Corbin Burnes now a free agent and injuries sidelining Kyle Bradish and Tyler Wells for part of the 2025 season, the Orioles need to bolster their starting pitching. Trade deadline acquisition Trevor Rogers struggled and was demoted, leaving the rotation core consisting of Zach Eflin, Grayson Rodriguez, and Dean Kremer. Albert Suárez, despite a solid year in a swing role, may be better suited as a depth option. Rookie pitchers Chayce McDermott and Cade Povich made their debuts in 2024 but have yet to establish themselves fully.

​Adding Eovaldi could provide the Orioles with the stability and experience they need to strengthen their rotation and make a playoff push.

The Atlanta Braves are actively seeking outfield help after non-tendering Ramon Laureano, with a preference for a left-handed bat, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

Focus on Depth, Not Big Names
Atlanta doesn't appear to be targeting top-tier free agents, such as Juan Soto, who remains a speculative dark horse. Veterans like Anthony Santander, Teoscar Hernandez, Jurickson Profar, and Tyler O’Neill are expected to demand notable multi-year contracts, which the Braves may not pursue. Instead, they're looking for depth to cover the early season, especially if Ronald Acuna Jr. starts on the injured list, as suggested by president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos during the GM Meetings.

Current Outfield Scenario
Without Acuna, the Braves’ outfield lineup would feature Jarred Kelenic, Michael Harris II, and a mix of Eli White, Luke Williams, and recently signed Carlos D. Rodriguez. While some might think Laureano could fill this gap, his impressive stint with the Braves was supported by an unusually high .380 BABIP, alongside a concerning 3.5% walk rate and 28.3% strikeout rate. These numbers hint at potential regression, as his previous performance in 2022-23 was much lower.

Anthopoulos' Strategy
So far, most of Atlanta's moves in free agency and trades have been modest. Anthopoulos typically avoids long-term deals, preferring trades and relying on in-house development. Under his leadership, Atlanta has awarded only three free-agent contracts longer than two years: to Will Smith, Reynaldo Lopez, and Marcell Ozuna. While not ruling out a bigger deal, it's historically unlikely.

Available Options
Fortunately, there is a deep pool of inexpensive left-handed hitters available this offseason. Potential targets include Max Kepler, Michael Conforto, Alex Verdugo, Jesse Winker, David Peralta, Mike Tauchman, and switch-hitting Dylan Carlson. Kepler and Conforto, in particular, might need multi-year deals, but the trade and waiver markets also offer opportunities.

​Anthopoulos has indicated that he expects payroll to rise in 2025. The Braves spent about $232 million last year and have a projected $202 million payroll for 2025, leaving room for some additions despite a crowded luxury-tax ledger.

The Atlanta Braves have announced exciting additions to their major league coaching staff. Hugh Quattlebaum and Carlos Méndez will join Brian Snitker's team as assistant hitting coaches, working alongside newly appointed hitting coach Tim Hyers. Quattlebaum comes from the Diamondbacks, while Méndez has been promoted from within the Braves organization.

Quattlebaum's coaching journey in affiliated baseball began in 2018 when the Mariners hired him as a minor league hitting coordinator. In 2021, he moved to the Mets as the director of hitting development and briefly served as the interim hitting coach, replacing Chili Davis partway through the season. After returning to his role as director of hitting development in 2022, he was let go at the end of the season and subsequently joined the Diamondbacks as assistant director of hitting for the 2023 and 2024 campaigns.

Méndez, on the other hand, has had a long professional playing career, primarily as a catcher and first baseman. Although he only played one big league season with the Orioles in 2003, his minor league journey concluded with the Braves organization. He played for the Triple-A Richmond Braves from 2005-07 before transitioning to a coaching role within the organization. This new position marks his first major league coaching job.

​These additions bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the Braves' coaching staff, enhancing their ability to develop and refine the team's hitting strategies. As the Braves gear up for the upcoming season, the contributions of Quattlebaum and Méndez will be instrumental in their pursuit of success.

The Atlanta Braves have signed outfielder Carlos D. Rodriguez to a non-guaranteed one-year contract, the team announced. This deal, which secures Rodriguez a spot on Atlanta’s 40-man roster, comes ahead of Friday's tender deadline. Despite not yet making his major league debut, this contract positions him for a potential opportunity with the Braves.

Financial terms of the contract haven't been disclosed, but it's expected that Rodriguez will earn close to the league minimum salary during his time with the club. Given the non-guaranteed nature of the deal, the Braves have the flexibility to cut him from the roster without ongoing salary obligations if necessary.

Rodriguez, who will turn 24 soon, recently became a minor league free agent after spending his entire career with the Milwaukee Brewers organization, which he joined as a 16-year-old international free agent in 2017. Although he was never considered a top prospect, he showed promise at Double-A last season, posting a .298/.376/.396 slash line with a 132 wRC+. His performance included 15 stolen bases in 19 attempts and an impressive plate discipline, walking more often than striking out.

However, Rodriguez's performance faltered following a midseason promotion to Triple-A, where he struggled with a .245/.344/.309 slash line and a 79 wRC+. His excellent contact skills and plate discipline (13.3% walk rate, 8.6% strikeout rate) remained, but the drop in offensive production likely contributed to the Brewers' decision not to add him to their 40-man roster.

​Despite these challenges, Rodriguez's strong showing at Double-A caught the Braves' attention, offering them a potential asset as they head into the new season. With a spot on the 40-man roster, Rodriguez now has a chance to prove himself and potentially secure a more permanent role with the Braves.

Chris Sale has achieved a remarkable feat this season, silencing his critics and reviving his Hall of Fame aspirations by winning the coveted National League Cy Young Award. The 35-year-old left-hander, now with the Atlanta Braves, has become the first Braves pitcher to receive this honor since Tom Glavine in 1998.

Sale was overwhelmingly chosen for the award, securing 26 out of 30 first-place votes from select members of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. Philadelphia’s Zack Wheeler finished second, earning the remaining four first-place votes, while Pittsburgh’s Paul Skenes came in third. The announcement was made by Atlanta's legendary three-time Cy Young Award winner, Greg Maddux, on MLB Network.

Reflecting on his achievement, Sale acknowledged the challenging journey to his first Cy Young Award, given his extensive injury history. "This wasn’t an easy way to get to winning this trophy for the first time," Sale remarked. "As soon as it happened, I’m thinking about people and teammates and coaches and family. It’s special to me because of all the hard work that other people put in to get me here."

This year has indeed been extraordinary for Sale, who was also named the National League's Comeback Player of the Year last week. At 35 years and 184 days old when the regular season concluded, Sale joins the ranks of other seasoned pitchers who achieved their first Cy Young Award later in their careers:

• Early Wynn (1959): 39 years, 266 days
  
• Dennis Eckersley (1992): 38 years, 1 day
  
• R.A. Dickey (2012): 37 years, 340 days
  
• Warren Spahn (1957): 36 years, 159 days
  
• Rollie Fingers (1981): 35 years, 41 days
  

Sale's career trajectory has been a rollercoaster. From 2012 to 2018, he consistently ranked among the top six in American League Cy Young voting. However, multiple injuries severely limited his innings from 2020 to 2023, reducing him to just 151 innings over those four years. Just when it seemed like his career might be winding down, Sale roared back to elite form, proving his resilience and dominance on the mound once again.

​Sale's triumphant season is a testament to his enduring talent and determination. His journey from injury and doubt to winning the Cy Young Award is an inspiring story of perseverance and excellence in the world of baseball. As Sale continues his career, he does so with renewed vigor and a well-deserved place among the game's greats.

The Atlanta Braves are reportedly showing interest in free-agent right-hander Walker Buehler as they face the potential loss of key rotation members Max Fried and Charlie Morton to free agency. Buehler, a standout pitcher, could be a crucial addition to the Braves' roster as they seek to maintain their competitive edge in the upcoming season.

Buehler, known for his powerful arm and impressive performance on the mound, would bring significant strength to the Braves' rotation. His track record includes several standout seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he established himself as one of the premier pitchers in the league. The Braves' interest in Buehler underscores their commitment to building a formidable pitching staff, especially in light of the uncertain future of Fried and Morton.

Max Fried and Charlie Morton have been stalwarts in the Braves' rotation, contributing to the team's success in recent years. Losing either or both of these pitchers would create a significant gap in the rotation, making the acquisition of a top-tier pitcher like Buehler even more critical. The Braves' front office is likely exploring all options to ensure they remain competitive and maintain a strong pitching foundation.

Buehler's addition to the Braves' roster would not only strengthen their rotation but also provide leadership and experience to a team aiming for continued success. As free agency unfolds, the Braves will need to navigate the market carefully, balancing their financial considerations with the goal of securing top talent.

​The coming weeks will be pivotal as the Braves and other MLB teams make strategic moves to shape their rosters for the upcoming season. The potential addition of Walker Buehler to the Braves' rotation highlights their proactive approach to addressing potential gaps and ensuring they remain a formidable force in the league. Fans will be eagerly watching to see how the team's offseason moves unfold and what impact they will have on the Braves' prospects for the future.

In an effort to bolster their roster, the Atlanta Braves have made several key signings to their minor league system. According to their transaction logs on MLB.com, the Braves have signed infielder Charles Leblanc and catcher Yohel Pozo to minor league contracts. Both players had opted for free agency earlier this offseason. Additionally, MLB Trade Rumors has reported that the Braves have also brought on infielder Kobe Kato on a minor league deal.

Charles Leblanc: A Versatile InfielderCharles Leblanc, who spent his age-28 season with the Los Angeles Angels organization, brings a wealth of experience and versatility to the Braves. In 98 Triple-A games, Leblanc hit .254/.379/.437, with 12 home runs and an impressive 16.4% walk rate. He also made a brief appearance in the big leagues, hitting two home runs in 28 plate appearances.

Leblanc was originally drafted by the Texas Rangers in the fourth round of the 2016 MLB Draft. He has a career batting line of .259/.364/.454 across four Triple-A seasons and has played 197 games in the majors with a .254/.330/.412 line. Primarily a third baseman, Leblanc has also logged over 1,000 innings at both second and first base, 473 innings at shortstop, and 376 innings in left field.

Yohel Pozo: Adding Depth Behind the PlateCatcher Yohel Pozo, who signed with the Rangers as an international free agent in 2013, brings additional depth to the Braves' catching corps. Pozo made his MLB debut with the Rangers in 2021, appearing in 21 games, mostly as a designated hitter. During his stint with Texas, he slashed .284/.312/.378 with one home run and nine RBIs. Although Pozo has not appeared in the majors since 2021, he has performed well in Triple-A over the past three seasons with the Rangers and Athletics organizations.

Pozo's signing comes as the Braves look to strengthen their catching options following the departure of Travis d'Arnaud this offseason.

Kobe Kato: A Rising InfielderThe Braves have also added infielder Kobe Kato, a 25-year-old who was drafted by the Houston Astros in the 13th round of the 2021 MLB Draft. After being released by the Astros early in 2024, Kato found success with the independent York Revolution and earned a new opportunity with the Seattle Mariners. He climbed three minor league levels, reaching Triple-A, and hit .283/.393/.389 with one home run and eight steals in 135 plate appearances.

Primarily a second baseman, Kato has also gained experience at shortstop, third base, and all three outfield positions, making him a valuable asset for the Braves' minor league system.

Conclusion
​These signings reflect the Braves' commitment to building a strong and versatile roster. By adding players like Charles Leblanc, Yohel Pozo, and Kobe Kato, the Braves are ensuring they have the depth and talent needed to compete at the highest level. As the 2024 season approaches, these new additions will be closely watched to see how they contribute to the team's success.

We have a late night trade!

The White Sox trade LHP Aaron Bummer to the Braves for RHP Michael Soroka, LHP Jared Shuster, INF Nicky Lopez, INF Braden Shewmake and minor league RHP Riley Gowens.

Bummer is under club control through 2026, pitched in 61 games in 2023 with a 6.79 ERA.  2024 will be his 8th MLB season.

The Braves announced INF Ozzie Albies will be placed on the 10-day injured list, backdated to August 14, with a strained left hamstring.
To fill the void in the roster, INF Vaughn Grissom has been called up.