The Atlanta Braves have yet to make a blockbuster trade this offseason to enhance their already strong roster. After being eliminated in the NL Wild Card round by the San Diego Padres, the Braves took a step back from their 2023 campaign, where they were ousted in the NLDS—a season that was also viewed as a regression. You see where this is going?
Liberty Media and the Braves have the financial resources to make moves, just like any professional sports team. The question is: where will they choose to allocate those funds? Ownership could simply pocket the money and consider 2024 a success. They might also invest further in The Battery, the entertainment district surrounding Truist Park. However, what fans undoubtedly prefer is for Alex Anthopoulos to bolster the roster instead of remaining passive.
The Braves entered the offseason with three primary needs: outfield depth, starting pitching, and potentially a shortstop. Addressing all of these is a tall order, especially with the pitching and shortstop markets being particularly competitive this winter. Some might excuse Anthopoulos for sticking with Orlando Arcia for another season. But when Max Fried departed for the New York Yankees, it became evident that Atlanta needed to strengthen its pitching staff, whether by adding to the rotation or the bullpen.
Braves have a new free-agent target in Tanner Scott, but can they close the deal?
The Braves appear to be making progress in bolstering their bullpen, reportedly showing interest in top relief pitcher Tanner Scott. Eric Cole from House That Hank Built highlighted why Scott could be an excellent addition for Atlanta:
“Scott fits the profile of a typical Braves target. With Raisel Iglesias under contract only through 2025, Scott has the potential to become Atlanta’s closer of the future—and a very effective one at that. Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos has demonstrated a willingness to invest in the bullpen, as seen in the contracts for Will Smith and the trade acquisition of Iglesias. Additionally, since Scott was traded midseason, he’s ineligible for a qualifying offer, meaning the Braves wouldn’t have to forfeit any draft picks,” Cole explained.
That last point is particularly significant. The Braves value affordable talent and aim to avoid losing draft picks this offseason. Signing Scott aligns with that strategy and marks a positive move.
Entering his age-30 season, Scott concluded the 2024 season with an impressive 4.0 WAR, a 1.75 ERA, and 22 saves.
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