Everyone has been talking about how the Braves need to bring an edge to how they play this season. While that is certainly true, the maturation of Spencer Strider and Ronald Acuna, Jr. may be one of the most underrated parts of the Braves 2024 success and beyond. Evidence of this maturity and leadership is showing itself early in spring camp. Oh, and Ronald wants to be a Brave for life. So, that's good too.

Even though many publications have the Braves farm system ranked in the bottom five, there are exciting players at the top. Pitching is the most vital need for the Braves, but some lesser-known position players may provide some surprises for the Braves in the next few years, as well.

While the Braves' farm system is generally regarded as bottom third in baseball, the team has a great recent track record of development. Their commitment to high-character guys with upside has paid off most recently with players like Michael Harris and Spencer Strider. In this episode, I rank the Braves 9th-16th best prospects.

How is it possible that Andruw Jones still isn't in the Hall of Fame? The writers prove themselves as a poor judge of greatness. While Andruw had his offensive issues, he stands as the greatest defensive centerfielder of all-time. Tune in for my full argument for Andruw's induction. I don't think you wil find a more thoughtful analysis. He deserves to be in.

In this special episode, we look back at some of my favorite "non-star" Braves since I became a fan (1991). As you look back with me, consider who your favorite Braves have been over the years.

Soon after the Braves sign Chris Sale to a new contract that could take him through 2026, they lock up GM Alex Anthopoulos to a seven-year extension that will take him through 2031. Sale comes with some risk, but also potentially big rewards. Anthopoulos is a no-brainer. His long-term future with the Braves brings greater certainty to the Braves' bright future.

It's not surprising that the Braves acquired a starting pitcher this offseason, but no one was predicting that they would trade for 7-time all-star Chris Sale. Sending the talented, popular Vaughn Grissom to Boston, the Braves take on the often injured, but gifted Sale. Time will tell who wins this trade.

After an insane few weeks, the Dodgers have added Ohtani, Yamamoto, and Glasnow. The media narrative is they are a super team and by far the best team in baseball. But is that the reality? Let's take a deeper dive into 2024 and beyond for the Braves and Dodgers.

Though the Braves haven't made a big offseason splash, they are getting better with some high upside moves or controllable players. Time will tell if these moves pay off, but left field and the bullpen have a chance to be a bigger impact on the team in 2024. Meanwhile, we also identify a few more names the Braves could explore to fill out their pitching staff.

The Braves were the most active team at the winter meetings this season, adding high-upside LF Jarred Kelenic and making some other smaller moves in connection. While they had to take on some extra money to get him, Kelenic could be a shrewd addition. Meanwhile Ohtani goes to the Dodgers on an insane $700 million contract, which should release the floodgates for other moves to be made for the rest of the league.