Happy Spring Training, Braves Country
We are so back. Here are a few thoughts that have lingered from this offseason.
First of all, 95% of Braves Twitter was insufferable this offseason. From how people were talmbout Alex Anthopoulos, you would have thought that he did something equivalent to trading Luka Doncic. Everyone needs to relax. We have an absolutely disgusting team again now that everyone is healthy. Seasons like 2024 are what make years like 2021 feel even better. Especially after having to watch the shenanigans the Falcons front office pulls continuously- it’s nice to know that we have one of the best front offices in the league. I will continue to believe that until I see any reason not to believe so.
This roster, when healthy, can go guy for guy with any team in baseball. Go ahead and try it on your own if you don’t believe me. When healthy, the only dead spot in the lineup is Arcia in the 9 hole. As long as his defense is still above average, I guess I can live with the other 88% of the lineup projecting to be above average to elite hitters.
Absolutely love Profar’s fit on this team from an approach standpoint. His discipline from both sides of the plate is exactly what this offense needs. The personality fits right in with the team and he will be a lightning rod when we need some spark. I also like Kelenic getting another chance before Ron gets back. He clearly wasn’t totally ready for an everyday role yet, and that’s okay. In my opinion he still has so many years of control, so if he keeps showing flashes, he will maintain his value. He is a luxury of a 4th outfielder in my opinion.
As I type this, we still have not gone and signed a notable pitcher. There are a ton of spicy takes about what the Braves should have done, or should still do. After filtering through them for months now, like Andy Dufresne crawling out of Shawshank, the biggest question that remains for me is this: If we reportedly offered Jeff Hoffman a 5 year/$45M deal before we saw his physical, why have we not thrown a bag at any other pitchers?
Just like plenty of other teams, this rotation could be one of the best in baseball if healthy. If we do have a few guys get clipped, then there are plenty of guys in Gwinett, like AJSS, Waldrep, etc. who can potentially be serviceable back end guys. Or we can have a guy like 2024 Schwelly get called up and light the world on fire. You never really know until you see it. One guy that I’m high on for 2025 is Drue Hackenberg. Not only do I love how he spells his name, but he flashed at every level of the farm last year, with a 3.07 ERA, 1.24 WHIP in 129 IP. That’s pretty promising from a 22 year-old.
It seems like there is a clear expectation for Angel Perdomo and Daisbel to step into bullpen roles- which is great news. If they both look good this spring, that leaves only two more spots for the bullpen. I like Buck Farmer winning one of those spots- he profiles as a realistic replacement for Jesse Chavez. The other spot I’m not quite as sure, but would make sense to have a guy with options- considering the fact that Holmes or Ian could swing back to the bullpen once Strider returns.
Even if the Braves don’t make another major move, IF HEALTHY, I’m not going to pretend like this isn’t a good team. I also could see the Braves being very active at the deadline to patch any holes and bolster whatever this team needs most for a playoff push. The fact of the matter is, the Braves are currently behind the Dodgers and Yankees as World Series favorites. There really should be nothing but excitement for this season.
If you aren’t excited, then run this one time to get those juices flowing!