Despite the injuries that plagued them last season, the Braves may use some upgrades at certain critical positions for the coming season.
If the Atlanta Braves want to increase their chances in 2025, they must upgrade a key aspects of their roster.
Yes, injuries were an issue to an unusual degree last season. However, this does not imply that they did not have areas for improvement. Improvements in these areas may mitigate the impact of long-term injuries, such as Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider missing the season’s start.
Here’s a look at the Braves’ top needs this summer.
Shortstop
This offseason, there has been constant discussion about upgrading this position. It’s understood why. This season, shortstop was one of the team’s most healthy positions. Orlando Arcia appeared in 157 games and recorded 551 at-bats.
However, it was a position that could very easily have been injured. Arcia was the statistically poorest hitter with runners in scoring position. In that situation, his.400 OPS was the lowest in the league, even lower than the replacement players signed by the Braves in midseason.
Arcia: .408 OPS
Whit Merrifield: .408 OPS
Gio Urshela: .657 OOPS
Not great, Bob.
Starting Pitching
Max Fried’s expected departure this offseason doesn’t improve the situation. However, even during the season, they struggled with the health of starting pitchers other than Charlie Morton (who may still retire) and Spencer Schwellenbach.
Spencer Strider was out for the year after two starts and, as previously stated, will miss the start of the season. Fried, Reynaldo Lopez, and Chris Sale all lost time, with the latter missing the conclusion of the season and playoffs.
Signing another veteran starter for the middle of the rotation would be beneficial, even if only to provide depth.
Left Field
This position does not receive enough attention when it comes to needing an update. Ramon Laureano was an excellent addition, but they required more than just him.
Jarred Kelenic appeared to have promise throughout the mid-summer months, but he faded quickly. He slashed from June 30 to the season’s finish (63 games).171/.237/.311 with six homers and 19 RBI.
Again, another position that was reasonably healthy throughout the season, and they were unable to compensate for who was out. To improve consistency, consider adding another bat and using Laureano as a platoon option or in right field until Acuña returns.
