5 blockbuster moves the Braves must make this offseason ft. Catching

In some ways, the Atlanta Braves' 2024 season was a reversal of their 2023 season. Two seasons ago, the club matched the record for homers in a single season and set a record for team slugging percentage. In 2024, despite being one of the best pitching teams in baseball, their big bats failed to deliver.

Despite having a strong lineup on paper, general manager Alex Anthopoulos will undoubtedly have some big decisions to make. Today, we will be examining some moves that could help the Atlanta Braves remain a highly competitive team.

Five moves for the Atlanta Braves to make

5. Trade in Orlando Arcia

There can be no doubt that the seventeen home runs hit by Orlando Arcia in each of the last two seasons represent a marked improvement early in his career, despite the fact that he hit just .218 this season. However, the Braves are over-saturated in their middle infield.

"ORLANDO ARCIA HAS REACHED BASE IN NINE OF THE LAST 10 GAMES" - Kevin Keneely

With one more year on Arcia's three-year, $7.3 million deal, Anthopoulos might want to cash in on the Venezuelan's success while he still can. Ozzie Albies will be able to take over at second, while Eli White will be slotted in at short.

4. Make a play for Roki Sasaki

In 2024, the Atlanta Braves were tied with the Seattle Mariners for the lowest ERA in MLB. While most of the culprits will remain, the pitching-centered approach is one that Anthopoulos would do well to keep.

With Max Fried and Charlie Morton appearing likely to leave, Anthopoulos could look abroad for their replacement. It will not come cheap, but 35-year-old Chris Sale will not be able to headline the rotation forever. Sasaki would also help forge a class of young starters alongside Spencer Schwellenbach and Spencer Strider.

3. Pick up a star outfielder

Braves fans will breathe a collective sigh of relief when ex-MVP Ronald Acuna Jr. returns to the lineup in 2025 after undergoing knee surgery. However, the Braves would do well to ensure that they have enough star power to play alongside him.

"Michael Harris II is headed to the 10-day IL with a strained left hamstring. Braves will add Ramón Laureano to the major league roster to replace him" -

Despite pledging $16 million over three seasons on Jarred Kelenic, the 25-year-old hit a disappointing .231/.286/.393 in 2024, while Michael Harris II is looking increasingly injury-prone. Acquiring a proven, experienced name to help mentor Kelenic and Harris would be a solid move. Some names that come to mind include Harrison Bader, Kike Hernandez, or Max Kepler.

2. Trade Bryce Elder

In 2023, 24-year-old Bryce Elder went 12-4 with a 3.81 ERA, leading many fans to think that he might be a future superstar. However, 2024 was a very different story.

Elder bounced between Atlanta and Triple-A Gwinnett, eventually finishing his season with a 6.52 ERA and a record of 2-5. Unfortunately, the Braves do not have room for Elder in their rotation. Rather than trying to make it work, selling the 25-year-old to a club like the Pittsburgh Pirates or Mariners might be their best play.

1. Catching

With the departure of veteran backstop Travis d'Arnaud to the Los Angeles Angels, Atlanta is left with only Sean Murphy left in the catching position. Sean Murphy's six-year, $73 million contract indeed sounds like a lot for a catcher who hit .193 with ten home runs in an injury-plagued season.

"Sean Murphy left tonight’s game after getting hit by this pitch" - Braves on FanDuel Sports Network

Whether or not the former Oakland Athletics catcher will feel residual effects from his oblique will be determined. However, the time is now for the Braves to concoct a contingency plan - which should come in the form of picking up a solid second-stringer like Danny Jansen or Kyle Higashioka.