The Atlanta Braves were never going to get Juan Soto, but Alex Anthopoulos has to do something.
While Anthopoulos has made far more good than terrible moves since taking over the Braves, his team-building approach frequently frustrates Braves fans. Yes, I completely get that he wanted some of the top free agents, such as Juan Soto, to set the market with his near-billion-dollar contract to play for the New York Mets, but he can’t sit back and be lapped!
Atlanta needs to strengthen the rotation, bullpen, and outfield, as well as potentially upgrade at shortstop.
Alex Anthopoulos must live up to his promise of spending big this winter
If I had to pick one thing Anthopoulos will undoubtedly do first, it would be to determine whether Max Fried and Charlie Morton want to remain on this squad next season. If they do, I believe he has the financial resources to offer either pitcher a new contract. If the financials do not make sense, I am confident that he will pursue another notable starting pitcher this offseason.
Upgrading at shortstop may be out of the question now that Willy Adames has signed elsewhere. Again, Orlando Arcia performed admirably in his rookie season despite his low salary. Saving that financial capital might help Atlanta round out its rotation and bullpen in the way it needs to be competitive. During the MLB Winter Meetings, trades and deals can take place in an instant.
Aside from being taxed 50% on any transactions that push the Braves over the $241 million mark, the biggest disadvantage may be being penalized with draft picks. If I understand David O’Brien’s article in The Athletic accurately, teams that violate the luxury tax threshold on multiple occasions will have their draft picks lowered by ten spots. I do not place a high value on MLB draft picks, but I understand this.
Simply put, Anthopoulos cannot scrimp and dime his way to a championship right now. This squad is in win-now mentality in one of baseball’s most competitive divisions. Anthopoulos seemed to be less enthusiastic about winning the NL East arms race between the Braves, Mets, and Phillies. Steve Cohen will pay a billion dollars in one season to see the Mets finally win a championship.
Anthopoulos may be up to something right now, but Braves Country is starting to get impatient again.
