LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The Braves exited the Winter Meetings with the same primary questions that surrounded them at the start of this annual three-day event. How might they strengthen their rotation? And, will they add another key bat?
Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos acquired Jarred Kelenic on the eve of the 2023 Winter Meetings. But while in his current role with Atlanta, Anthopoulos hasn’t traditionally been active during this annual gathering of the game’s decision makers. That’s not to say conversations had over the past few days won’t lead to a move or moves over the next few days or weeks.
Here is a look at where the Braves stand.
Biggest remaining needs
1. Starting pitching: When Anthopoulos and manager Walt Weiss spoke to the media this week, it was clear pitching is the top priority. There’s seemingly a need to add insurance to a rotation that has a few health-related concerns. It’s great that Grant Holmes (right elbow inflammation) and Reynaldo López (arthroscopic shoulder surgery) are feeling good. But after seeing six different pitchers miss at least five weeks because of injuries this past year, there’s reason for the Braves to continue monitoring top free agents like Zac Gallen, even with the understanding signing him would cost them the 26th overall pick in next summer’s MLB Draft.
2. Setup man?
With Anthopoulos saying Joe Jiménez’s left knee issue prevents the team from relying on him to be a setup man next year, adding a high-leverage reliever now seems to possibly be an even greater necessity. This could be why MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand has reported the Braves have shown interest in Robert Suarez.
The Braves also have the option to move López back to the bullpen to possibly serve as Raisel Iglesias’ setup man. But the current plan is for López to work as a starter during Spring Training. With López’s right shoulder issues, the team doesn’t want to commit to him being a reliever before possibly stretching him back out during the season. It’s easier to go the other way if necessary.
3. Another hitter?
Anthopoulos and Weiss both have said they are fine with the possibility Mauricio Dubón will be the team’s everyday shortstop. A decision might not be made until Ha-Seong Kim chooses his next employer. And Kim’s market isn’t expected to fully materialize until after Bo Bichette signs.
If the Braves go with Dubón, they would seemingly need to upgrade their offense with the addition of a versatile outfielder who also could be among the team’s many options for the designated hitter role.
If Kim ends up being the shortstop, Dubón’s versatility would give Weiss a chance to give all his regulars some rest by routinely placing them in the DH spot. But even in his most productive seasons, Kim hasn’t necessarily been the difference-making hitter the Braves could use to help replace the production that was expected from Marcell Ozuna in 2025.
But if Austin Riley, Michael Harris II and Ozzie Albies each bounce back in 2026, the Braves might have enough offense regardless of whether Kim or Dubón is their shortstop.
He said it
Weiss’ first big league manager was Tony La Russa and his last was Bobby Cox. Along with being blessed to have been influenced by these two Hall of Fame skippers, he counts Reggie Jackson, Dave Parker, Mark McGwire, Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, Chipper Jones and John Smoltz among the legends he called teammates during his 14-season playing career.
“There's some things to fall back on, but at the end of the day, it's got to be me with my voice and my touch,” Weiss said. “I understand that. But I've learned a lot from all those people I've been around -- from Tony in the beginning to [Brian Snitker], and everybody in between. I’ll take a little bit from all of them. But at the end of the day, it's going to be my voice. So, it'll be me, and it'll be different from anybody else that I've been around.”
Draft Lottery
The Braves were guaranteed one of the first nine spots in the 2026 MLB Draft. So, there wasn’t much reason to celebrate when they ended up with the ninth overall selection via the Lottery process. This will be their highest selection since 2019, when they took catcher Shea Langeliers with the ninth overall pick.
More from this week
- Anthopoulos touched on a variety of topics, including the team’s needs.
- Weiss talked about Ronald Acuña Jr. possibly moving back to the leadoff spot.
- What might the Braves be looking for in a hitter?
GM's bottom line
“I wouldn’t say there’s one thing that we’re focused on, saying, ‘This is the one thing we need to do,’” said Anthopoulos. “When you don’t make the playoffs and finish below .500, there are a lot of areas where you can improve.”