The Atlanta Braves have had a good offseason overall. The Braves made some gains in the trade market, despite largely avoiding the free agent market aside from signing Reynaldo Lopez and bringing back several bullpen pitchers. The Braves might have added a significant component of their future in the outfield, assuming Jarred Kelenic can even come close to reaching his high promise. Though unexpected, Atlanta’s greatest rotational need was filled with the acquisition of Chris Sale.
The Braves did what had to be done in order to keep the core of this fantastic group together and, ideally, improve it. Other teams undoubtedly made some sexier moves, and there were still some huge ones to come. The Dodgers also went all out this offseason.
Even though the Braves haven’t taken the field yet, it’s still too early to celebrate, but outside observers appear to think Atlanta performed fairly well. The Braves appeared to be among Fox Sports’ greatest winners this offseason when they recently decided to compile their team rankings.
Fox Sports is a fan of the Braves’ offseason maneuvers.
With a solid “A” rating from Fox and a draft position of second overall, the Braves obviously hit the right notes this summer. They would commend the Kelenic deal and specifically their efforts in bolstering the bullpen. Less politely, they also brought out the Braves’ repeated playoff exit at the hands of the Phillies.
To no one’s surprise, the Dodgers topped their rankings, and in 2024 they will undoubtedly be a formidable team in the National League once more. The Braves, on the other hand, seem to have fared the best in the division as no other NL East team made it into Fox’s top 10, with the Phillies coming the closest at number 12. To be fair, the Marlins finished second to last because they continue to refuse to invest any capital and to develop their young players.
The Braves’ strong ranking doesn’t guarantee that their decisions will be successful. While Chris Sale is no longer a young man and is recovering from several injuries, Kelenic has not fared well in the major leagues. Still, it appears like the Braves put some wise wagers in preparation for 2024.