State of the Braves

Everyone has been talking about how the Braves need to bring an edge to how they play this season. While that is certainly true, the maturation of Spencer Strider and Ronald Acuna, Jr. may be one of the most underrated parts of the Braves 2024 success and beyond. Evidence of this maturity and leadership is showing itself early in spring camp. Oh, and Ronald wants to be a Brave for life. So, that&#...

Even though many publications have the Braves farm system ranked in the bottom five, there are exciting players at the top. Pitching is the most vital need for the Braves, but some lesser-known position players may provide some surprises for the Braves in the next few years, as well.

While the Braves' farm system is generally regarded as bottom third in baseball, the team has a great recent track record of development. Their commitment to high-character guys with upside has paid off most recently with players like Michael Harris and Spencer Strider. In this episode, I rank the Braves 9th-16th best prospects.

How is it possible that Andruw Jones still isn't in the Hall of Fame? The writers prove themselves as a poor judge of greatness. While Andruw had his offensive issues, he stands as the greatest defensive centerfielder of all-time. Tune in for my full argument for Andruw's induction. I don't think you wil find a more thoughtful analysis. He deserves to be in.

In this special episode, we look back at some of my favorite "non-star" Braves since I became a fan (1991). As you look back with me, consider who your favorite Braves have been over the years.

Soon after the Braves sign Chris Sale to a new contract that could take him through 2026, they lock up GM Alex Anthopoulos to a seven-year extension that will take him through 2031. Sale comes with some risk, but also potentially big rewards. Anthopoulos is a no-brainer. His long-term future with the Braves brings greater certainty to the Braves' bright future.

It's not surprising that the Braves acquired a starting pitcher this offseason, but no one was predicting that they would trade for 7-time all-star Chris Sale. Sending the talented, popular Vaughn Grissom to Boston, the Braves take on the often injured, but gifted Sale. Time will tell who wins this trade.

After an insane few weeks, the Dodgers have added Ohtani, Yamamoto, and Glasnow. The media narrative is they are a super team and by far the best team in baseball. But is that the reality? Let's take a deeper dive into 2024 and beyond for the Braves and Dodgers.

Though the Braves haven't made a big offseason splash, they are getting better with some high upside moves or controllable players. Time will tell if these moves pay off, but left field and the bullpen have a chance to be a bigger impact on the team in 2024. Meanwhile, we also identify a few more names the Braves could explore to fill out their pitching staff.

The Braves were the most active team at the winter meetings this season, adding high-upside LF Jarred Kelenic and making some other smaller moves in connection. While they had to take on some extra money to get him, Kelenic could be a shrewd addition. Meanwhile Ohtani goes to the Dodgers on an insane $700 million contract, which should release the floodgates for other moves to be made for the rest...

While Dylan Cease looks like a current trade target for the Braves, AA has a penchant for pulling off a trade no one saw coming. Let's try to predict an unlikely trade that could happen.

With Aaron Nola going back to the Phillies, will the Braves' continue to hunt to a top flight pitcher? They added Reynaldo Lopez, who could be a big boost to the bullpen or be stretched out as a starter. Is that all the Braves intend to do on the pitching front, or is there more? Let's take a deep dive into the best remaining pitchers on the free agent and trade market.

Does anyone actually know what Shohei Ohtani's priorities are in free agency? If it's all about the money then the Braves have no shot. But most people admit that Ohtani is a different kind of guy. There is a world in which Ohtani comes to Atlanta. Let's have some fun and live in that world for a few minutes.

After a quiet start to the offseason, the Braves front office made some major changes this week, clearing 10 spots on their 40 man roster. Among those leaving are long-time Braves and fan favorites Michael Soroka and Kyle Wright. We'll break down the impacts of these moves and how it might mean big things to come as the Braves re-tool their roster in preparation for 2024. We also celebrate Ron...

The Braves bid a sad but thankful goodbye to Ron Washington as he accepts the Manager's job for the Angels. Meanwhile, the Braves accept Charlie Morton's club option while decline Eddie Rosario's. Now, as the offseason heats up, what will the Braves do at their two biggest areas on need: starting pitcher and left fielder? Is Yamamoto a realistic target? Could Juan Soto really be an opt...

With the offseason in full swing, what will the Braves do to improve the starting rotation? How will they address left field? I'll give you my strategy and which players I would target.

One of the clearest needs for the Braves entering the offseason is starting pitching. Even if Charlie Morton returns for another season, add another proven starter who can win playoff games is a must. And it's not just about next season. The free agency of Max Fried looms large, and they Braves need to strike soon to bolster their rotation in the long-term.

In order to experience future postseason success, the Braves may need to adjust the roster. What position players go and which potential free agents are signed? Who could the Braves trade for? We start the conversation.

Let's take a deeper dive on what elements might help the Braves avoid more postseason heartbreak in 2024 and beyond. Where are the weak points and how can Anthopoulos and Snitker fix them?

For a second straight season the Braves lose to the Phillies in the NLDS. Their historic offense was completely silent and questions remain as to why. I attempt to diagnose the long history of dominant regular season success and playoff underperformance.

After dropping game one, the Braves bounce back with a huge comeback win capped off by a clutch Austin Riley homer and a historic game-ending double play. Now the series turns to Philadelphia while Snitker still mulls who will pitch game three.

Ronald Acuna has a season for the ages. Matt Olson and Spencer Strider set franchise records. The offense set an all-time home run record and is the first team to ever have a slugging percentage over .500. It has been a remarkable regular season to be celebrate. But the real season is about to begin, and a championship is the ultimate goal.

Acuna dazzles, becoming the first and only member of the 40/70 club. Olson sets another Braves single season record. And the Braves clinch the best record in baseball. Now, they set their sights on the postseason.

The Braves bounce back with 2 straight wins against the Nationals and Ronald Acuna makes history in the process, standing alone as the sole member of the 40/60 club. However, Max Fried and Charlie Morton go down in consecutive days with finger injuries. Should we be worried?

After celebrating clinching the NL East against the Phillies, the Braves experience one of their worst series of the year. Injuries to Acuna and Rosario remind us the importance of staying healthy down the stretch while the bullpen's recent perform may be reason for concern.