Good news: Braves Display Courageous Approach, Take a Risk to Strengthen Rotation via Trade.
After amassing a total of 205 victories over the past two seasons but facing disappointing exits in the Divisional Round at the hands of the Phillies on both occasions, the Atlanta Braves have taken a proactive approach to enhance one of MLB’s premier rosters.
In a marked departure from their previous spending patterns, the Braves exceeded the luxury tax threshold for the first time in 2023, incurring a penalty of $3.2 million. Their payroll has experienced a substantial surge this offseason, ascending from the 13th-highest in MLB in 2021 to eighth in 2022 and seventh in 2023. Presently standing at approximately $240 million, they rank third, reflecting a $35 million increase from the previous season and a $53 million surge from two years ago.
This financial strategy represents a significant shift for an organization that found itself in the lower echelons of baseball spending as recently as 2018.
Although their pursuit of Aaron Nola and attempts to secure Tyler Glasnow, Dylan Cease, or Sonny Gray proved unsuccessful, Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos has remained actively engaged in the offseason. Recognizing starting pitching as a critical area for improvement, the Braves embarked on a bold move by completing a trade with the Red Sox to acquire left-handed starter Chris Sale. In exchange, they parted ways with 22-year-old infielder Vaughn Grissom, a highly-regarded prospect whose consistent role with the Braves had been hindered, in part, by defensive considerations.
The financial commitment for Sale amounts to just over $10 million of his $27.4 million salary. While the upcoming season represents the final guaranteed year of Sale’s contract, a 2025 club option at $20 million is likely to be exercised if he maintains good health and continues to deliver strong performances.
Approaching 35 years old on Opening Day, Sale no longer possesses the upper-90s velocity of his prime, but he rebounded from three injury-riddled seasons to average 94 mph with his fastball in 2023. Despite a challenging start to the season, he excelled in the subsequent 15 outings, posting a 3.16 ERA with 95 strikeouts, 19 walks, and a .197 opponents’ batting average. However, Sale missed more than two months during that stretch due to a stress reaction in his shoulder, underscoring the inherent risk and reward associated with the talented left-hander.
The Braves’ rotation now features a formidable quintet comprising Strider, Max Fried, Sale, Charlie Morton, and Bryce Elder. This combination offers a mix of youthful exuberance and seasoned experience, presenting a formidable challenge for opponents when firing on all cylinders. However, uncertainties loom over Sale’s ability to stay healthy, potential regression from Elder, and Morton’s performance at the age of 40.
Earlier in the offseason, the Braves bolstered their bullpen by acquiring left-handed reliever Aaron Bummer from the White Sox. Despite a lackluster 2023 with the White Sox, Bummer had exhibited a stellar 2.59 ERA in the preceding four seasons, providing Atlanta with an additional weapon to counter Bryce Harper, who had proven to be a formidable adversary in recent encounters.
The Braves also secured the services of left-handed relievers Joe Jimenez and Pierce Johnson, added Reynaldo Lopez to their bullpen, acquired outfielder Jarred Kelenic from the Mariners, and obtained high-contact infielder David Fletcher for depth.
The crowning move came just before the turn of the year with the acquisition of Sale. Despite limited exposure to Sale from the Phillies, with only a 12-for-60 record, two walks, and 27 strikeouts, the Braves anticipate that the addition of the lanky left-hander will fortify their pitching staff and contribute to their quest for success in the upcoming season.
