The Atlanta Braves offseason proceeded really well overall. They strengthened the bullpen with many trades, addressed their need for a starting pitcher by acquiring Chris Sale, and filled the vacancy in left with the Jarred Kelenic trade. It may be argued that this Braves club is superior to the ones that have won more than 100 games in the previous two seasons, at least on paper.
The relative quietness throughout the rest of the National League East has aided the cause. In the hopes of winning games with little money spent, the Marlins are happy to let the world pass them by. The Nationals are in the process of rebuilding and will most likely be sold soon. The realization that they cannot afford to spend more than $300 million on a postseason team has forced the Mets to reorganize. But the Phillies are the sleeping giant whose voice we might soon hear.
Even though it hurts to admit it, the Phillies are a very dangerous club. Despite the Braves’ difficulties against them in the postseason, they have a team full of stars on both sides of the ball and a front office executive in Dave Dombrowski who isn’t hesitant to make bold decisions. Re-signing Aaron Nola is the only significant move they have made thus far. On the other hand, the Phillies are currently the talk of the town and have the potential to surprise everyone before the 2024 season begins.
A late Phillies blockbuster could cause the Braves to suffer.
According to some league executives, the Phillies might acquire Jordan Montgomery or Cody Bellinger before the season begins, according to Bob Nightengale’s article for USA Today. Bellinger fits the Phillies’ needs despite his questionable peripherals since they could use another talented outfielder. Even though the Phillies have a strong starting rotation, Montgomery would make them a very dangerous team. No team can afford to be without beginning pitching depth. The Nightengale isn’t the only team that has suggested this; MLB expert Jon Heyman also brought up Philadelphia.
For the Braves, none of this is good news. The Phillies were always going to be a threat in the National League East, particularly during the postseason. In addition to making Atlanta’s playoff road even more difficult, adding Jordan Montgomery or Cody Bellinger may make the National League East race a little too close for comfort.