The Atlanta Braves are just two weeks away from pitchers and catchers reporting for spring training, but there seems to be a failure to launch in terms of free agency moves. Aside from the massive splash pickup with the addition of outfielder Jurickson Profar, the Braves have not been active in the market as we put the final touches on the roster ahead of preseason action.
The Steakhouse discussed the lack of movement from the Braves, but why it makes a lot of sense for this team.
Atlanta is already in a pole position when it comes to roster depth. The struggles from 2024 had significantly more to do with backbreaking injuries than a lack of talent. They will usher in a former Cy Young frontrunner in Spencer Strider and MVP in Ronald Acuña, both of whom missed nearly the entirety of the 2024 regular season.
"We like most of the lineup a lot, and the guys we don't, we're fixing by putting Profar out there in the outfield," Steak said. "The depth in the starting rotation is real, especially if Spencer Strider is back [alongside the reigning Cy Young winner in Chris Sale]."
If there's a move left for the Braves, it would likely come in the bullpen or the starting rotation.
Alongside Sale and Strider are two other guys who broke out in 2024 with Reynaldo López and Spencer Schwellenbach. Unless they sign a veteran, Ian Anderson, AJ Smith-Shawver, Bryce Elder, and Hurston Waldrep will be asked to fill that gap. In the bullpen, they still have to replace the injured Joe Jiménez -- and you can never have enough arms waiting in the wings.
Ultimately, a lack of moves should serve as an illustration of the confidence that the organization has in the current construction of its roster. For what it's worth, Vegas has their over/under sitting at about 93 wins and that would have them right in the thick of contention.
Any moves after that should be considered gravy.