For a variety of reasons, the Braves’ appearance will change dramatically in two weeks.
On the injury front, Michael Harris II is expected to return shortly after the All-Star break. That will be a huge lift, and the trade deadline presents an opportunity for the Braves to improve themselves, just as it did in 2021.
Alex Anthopoulos is always wheeling and dealing, and that won’t change this time around; in fact, Atlanta is expected to be as busy as any club on the market due to its offensive weaknesses.
The outfield requires the most body support, while shortstop may be the weakest link among position players. The pitching staff could be improved as well. Given how cheap relief help may be at the deadline, Anthopoulos could bolster an already strong bullpen, while an extra starting pitcher would provide the Braves with much-needed insurance in case one of their top horses went down in the second half of the season.
Anthopoulos has taken a unique approach in the past by meeting future requirements before they arise. He might do the same thing before the 2024 deadline to fill future roster gaps that may arise in 2025.
For example, while Kenley Jansen was on the team, the Braves acquired Raisel Iglesias, who had several years remaining on his deal. Jansen left in free agency, and Iglesias became the closer. Similarly, Atlanta traded for Pierce Johnson and Joe Jimenez, who were on expiring contracts but received new contracts the following offseason.
The Braves have needs to address in 2024, but some of them will also exist in 2025, particularly in the outfield. With Ronald Acuna Jr. sidelined with another ACL injury, Anthopoulos will have to work his magic.
Acuna could be relegated to DH to protect his knee, which is currently occupied by Marcell Ozuna. In 2025, the Braves will almost certainly need another starter to join Michael Harris II and Jarred Kelenic. That suggests Alex Anthopoulos may prefer an outfielder with multiple years of control at this year’s trade deadline.
When it comes to the future, the starting rotation could be even worse. If injuries do not occur, the Braves’ current starters are more than capable of leading the team to the World Series. However, with Max Fried’s free agency and Charlie Morton’s retirement approaching, it will be at the top of Anthopoulos’ priority list this summer. I didn’t even mention Spencer Strider’s comeback from injury.
Anthopoulos’ bullpen is perhaps the team’s strongest unit, so acquiring another reliever at the deadline would be a strength-building move. That being said, AJ Minter is scheduled to enter free agency and has been Atlanta’s most dependable reliever since 2021. Orlando Arcia also cannot be the Braves’ starting shortstop in 2025. So, whether they solve it now or in the offseason, they must do so before the start of the following season.
The Braves’ primary focus will be on 2024, but if Alex Anthopoulos can accomplish two goals before this year’s deadline, that would be great.
