Braves enter WM with ability for more splashes
ATLANTA -- Ten years after pursuing Carsten Sabathia and A.J. Burnett, the Braves are returning to Las Vegas once again hoping to land an ace.Well actually, Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos and his staff will be looking for more than an ace when this year's Winter Meetings open Monday at
ATLANTA -- Ten years after pursuing
Well actually, Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos and his staff will be looking for more than an ace when this year's Winter Meetings open Monday at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. The pursuit of an outfielder and a potential closer will also be extended during what should be an action-packed four-day event.
"We're not close to anything," Anthopoulos said. "There are some things we'd love to get done. We just can't line up on a trade or a free-agent contract right now. I'd say all we're doing now is continuing to have conversations."
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With all of baseball's top executives and a bevy of agents present, the Winter Meetings annually serve as fertile ground for conversations, some of which create juicy rumors and others from which significant deals are eventually struck.
Anthopoulos acquired his primary target when catcher
Atlanta has the financial and prospect resources to make at least one more significant deal that could bolster a bid to defend its division crown.
Club needs
Anthopoulos has actively pursued outfielders capable of adding some more pop to a lineup that already includes
Once Diaz went to the Mets, the Braves began facing the fact they may not find a legit closer, but they continue to seek late-inning options. It appears their need for a front-line starter will most likely be satisfied via trade.
Whom might they trade?
Beyond their talent-rich prospect pool, the Braves have a few big league pieces that could be moved. Acuna's capability to play center field at least allows Atlanta to listen if teams are willing to provide a front-line starter in a deal that would include three-time Gold Glove Award winner
Prospects to know
Many teams have expressed interest in
Rule 5 Draft
The Braves will likely make a move on their 40-man roster to allow for the chance to be players during Thursday's Rule 5 Draft. Infielder Ray-Patrick Didder and right-hander Josh Graham are Atlanta prospects who can potentially be lost during the Major League phase of the Draft.
Payroll summary
Braves chairman Terry McGuirk has said the club has the financial resources necessary to make at least one more significant investment this offseason. Team officials have said the payroll has increased. Specific figures have not been revealed, but it's believed Anthopoulos still has at least $30 million left to spend.
Mark Bowman has covered the Braves for MLB.com since 2001.