The Atlanta Braves are making waves at the Winter Meetings, as they continue to search for a left fielder and potentially add an experienced and controllable starter to their rotation.
While the Braves have not shown serious interest in free agent Shohei Ohtani, and it doesn’t feel like they should be considered favorites to land White Sox right-hander Dylan Cease via a trade, there is still a sense that Atlanta could make at least one more big move.
The Braves recently acquired Jarred Kelenic from the Mariners, which they said ended their search for a left fielder. However, it will be interesting to see if they are able to add an experienced and controllable starter to their rotation.
Although Cease was on the Braves’ radar, it doesn’t feel like there is currently a fit. In fact, it seems like Atlanta’s interest and involvement has been overblown. However, this doesn’t mean the Braves won’t potentially add a frontline starter to their rotation.
Two of the top available starters who could be acquired via a trade are Corbin Burnes and Tyler Glasnow. Alternatively, Braves president of baseball operations and GM Alex Anthopoulos could extend his tradition of making a surprise acquisition.
The Braves recently received $4.5 million from the Mariners which will help pay for the acquisition of Gonzales and White. While Gonzales could be flipped to another team, the future of White, who hasn’t played in the Majors since 2021, is uncertain.
If the Braves are going to make a significant trade, they could use some of the pitching depth that was enhanced over the past year. Another possibility is attempting to move designated hitter Marcell Ozuna or closer Raisel Iglesias in an effort to reduce payroll costs.
As the Winter Meetings continue, all eyes will be on the Braves to see what moves they make to strengthen their roster for the upcoming season.