The Atlanta Braves will be one of the most intriguing teams to watch for this winter.
Atlanta hasn't had the season it hoped to have in 2024. The Braves were hoping to contend this season after being upset in the playoffs in 2023. Atlanta was the best team in the regular season last year, but injuries completely flipped the 2024 season on its head.
The Braves currently are missing Spencer Strider, Ronald Acuña Jr., Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley, and Reynaldo López, among others. Atlanta somehow still is in contention for a playoff spot, but it hasn't been the Braves' season.
Atlanta will have tough decisions to make this winter but should contend in 2025 with better help. The Braves may need to sign a starter this winter, though. Max Fried will be a free agent, and Atlanta likely will try to retain him.
If he decides to sign elsewhere, the Braves should go all-out to bring superstar ace Corbin Burnes to town.
He currently pitches for the Baltimore Orioles and will be the most sought-after pitcher this winter. Burnes will be expensive and is projected to receive a deal worth $215 million over seven seasons.
Atlanta could afford that deal, and Burnes is worth investing in. The Braves have plenty of team-friendly deals on the roster and are built to contend for years to come. Landing another top starter like Burnes would help take the Braves over the top.
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