Atlanta opens up the season against the Padres, with Chris Sale on the mound. One would think that is a recipe for success, but the Braves' bullpen (Hector Neris) would ultimately lead to the downfall as Atlanta falls 7-4.

Though the season started with a loss, some good can be taken away. The offense showed up. Homers from Ozzie Albies and Austin Riley... Drake Baldwin came close.

Speaking of Baldwin, the rookie has yet to pick up his first big league hit...but his patience can't go unnoticed. The rookie turned on an off-speed pitch that was robbed at the deepest part of the yard. Hopefully he notches that first hit in game two against the Padres.

The Atlanta Braves have plenty of holes in their roster, especially in the pitching staff. But we've only seen a handful of deals so far, but it seems the luxury tax is keeping the Braves from making any additional moves. Tune in now as we discuss ways the Braves could offload cash, and remain active in the market.

The Braves finally made a splash in the 2025 offseason, signing Jurickson Profar to a 3-year, $42 million deal. But, could this be the first of many moves for Atlanta this offseason?

Youtube: https://youtu.be/rk7sKueERV8?si=sVYuffwhHqTQSRJN

The Atlanta Braves are without three of their main starting pitchers entering 2025, two have departed to different teams while Spencer Strider is temporarily out of commission. This leaves a large chunk missing in the starting rotation, and while the front office could approach this issue through the free agency market...there are some internal options currently on the Braves 40-man roster.

One thing that we know, for sure - the Atlanta Braves’ rotation will look VERY different. Two major faces of the rotation over the past several years, Charlie Morton and Max Fried have departed to other teams.Max Fried - New York Yankees (8-year/$218 million) and Charlie Morton - Baltimore Orioles (1-year/$15 million).

So, who’s left? Well, the reigning Cy Young Award winner, Chris Sale for starters. 2024 All-Star, Reynaldo Lopez…and rookie sensation, Spencer Schwellenbach… plus an injured Spencer Strider.

How can the Braves fill the two open slots, one being temporary until Strider’s return?We all want to know, and to have some security of the rotation going forward.

I think one will be a signing or trade acquisition. But, as for the temporary spot it will likely be a competition between AJ Smith Shawver, Hurston Waldrep, Ian Anderson, Bryce Elder, Dylan Dodd, Allan Winans, Darius Vines… and who knows? Grant Holmes …

That said - I do think that the Braves need to sign someone… not for Strider’s absence. Spencer Schwellenbach and Reynaldo Lopez’s solid seasons last year really help Atlanta right now… because if Schwellenbach hadn’t broken out, we’d be circling 3 spots in the rotation that were up in the air, as opposed to two.

That said - there is one that I think has to be solved in either the trade market, or the free agent market…In the off-chance that the Braves decide to forego signing anyone to a deal, and going purely with in-house products, I think that it is possible to find two starting pitchers amidst that list I mentioned earlier… my favorites would be AJ Smith-Shawver and Bryce Elder for the time being… 

The bullpen is an entirely different concern though, which gives me pause on the idea of Holmes going to the starting rotation…even temporarily. 

I’ve seen a lot of chatter about, why aren’t the Braves doing much compared to the rest of Major League Baseball… and I think that’s true..

I doubt you’d want to put all of your eggs in one basket. Charlie Morton, for example just signed a $15 million deal…that would leave the Braves with just $8 million to adjust as needed. 

That’s not to say that the Braves won’t do anything, as I believe they have to..All indications are that the Braves will spend money if they find a deal that works long term, and can benefit the team.

The Braves met the Dodgers for the first time this season, and it did not go well. Though the Braves were competitive in the first game of the series, the final two left much to be desired. Shohei Ohtani and the rest of the Dodger offense swarmed Bryce Elder in the second game. Max Fried was unable to keep the ball in the yard in the final game. What will it take for the Braves offense to wake up as we move forward? Who will step up with the loss of Pierce Johnson? Plus, I'll give you my best idea for an early trade!

The wait is over. The Braves' first game of the 2024 season is in the books, and it was a great one. On all fronts the Braves looked great. Strider tossing five innings, with eight strikeouts...the bullpen locking it down. Plus, the offense... staying patient and lighting up the Phillies bullpen. Join the discussion now!