The Atlanta Braves will need to make some changes if they want to return to contention in 2025.
Atlanta does not require any major adjustments or investments, with the exception of possibly retaining Max Fried. The Braves have a strong foundation and should be able to compete with improved health. However, it may make sense to bring in a couple players. There is also the possibility that some fringe players will leave this winter.
According to Zachary Rotman of FanSided, Gio Urshela, a utility player, is expected to leave the Braves this winter.
“Austin Riley’s season-ending injury left a gaping hole at third base and forced Atlanta to sign the best player they could find, Gio Urshela, who was released by the Detroit Tigers,” Rotman told reporters. “Urshela suffered tremendously in Detroit, but as with almost every player Atlanta acquired, he improved his game when he put on a Braves uniform. He batted.265/.287/.424 with four home runs and 15 RBI as Atlanta’s regular third baseman.
“He didn’t have much power and only drew four walks in 136 plate appearances, but Urshela was a consistent presence at the bottom of the order and performed better than anyone could have reasonably expected given his lack of output in Detroit. The Braves would undoubtedly be interested in reuniting with Urshela based on his performance in Atlanta, but with Riley returning, Urshela’s re-signing makes little sense. He should earn more money and play more elsewhere.”
Urshela was quite consistent in his brief tenure with the Braves, but he could land a better deal elsewhere. From 2019 to 2021, he enjoyed the best success of his career with the New York Yankees. There will undoubtedly be many teams interested in him.
