It’s unlikely that the Braves will make major changes this offseason. When GM Alex Anthopoulos locked up key players to long-term deals, it limited his ability to significantly reshape the roster.
That said, Anthopoulos has a knack for being financially resourceful. Last year, the Braves needed upgrades in left field and the pitching rotation, and Anthopoulos made several creative trades, such as acquiring Jarred Kelenic by taking on bad contracts. Although Kelenic’s first year didn’t pan out, it showcased Anthopoulos’ ability to think outside the box.
Two notable moves that Anthopoulos is being praised for are trading for Chris Sale and signing Reynaldo Lopez. The Braves took a risk on a healthy Sale, and it paid off, with him likely to win his first Cy Young Award. Lopez was converted back into a starter and had an All-Star season.
This offseason, the Braves won’t need to overhaul their starting rotation as much, but they still need to add a back-end arm, whether it’s bringing back Charlie Morton or signing another pitcher. The outfield is also a concern. Kelenic struggled, Jorge Soler can’t play defense, and Ronald Acuña Jr. is recovering from his second ACL tear in four years.
The Braves’ biggest needs for 2025 are in the outfield and at shortstop. The latter will be harder to address, as Orlando Arcia struggles both offensively and defensively, yet he’ll likely return because of his low salary and lack of better options. The only obvious free-agent upgrade, Willy Adames, could command $200 million, and considering Anthopoulos passed on similar big-name shortstops in previous offseasons, it’s doubtful he’ll enter a bidding war for Adames.
Anthopoulos may still surprise with a creative trade, or prospect Nacho Alvarez could emerge, unlike Vaughn Grissom. However, it’s likely that Orlando Arcia will be the Braves’ starting shortstop on Opening Day.
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