2023-24 MLB Offseason Recap: Atlanta Braves

For the second straight season, the Atlanta Braves went down to their division rival in the 2023 National League playoffs. So, how did the reigning NL East champions bolster their squad for another October run? Here’s our Braves offseason recap.

Notable Additions

The Braves didn’t lose the NLDS to the Phillies last year because of their bullpen. However, Atlanta made several additions to bolster their relief core and give teams different looks.

Veteran reliever Reynaldo Lopez joins the Braves for 2024, as does low-slow left-hander Aaron Bummer. Bummer had a weird 2023, as his ERA was high but the strikeout numbers were strong.

Aside from those pickups, the Braves acquired outfielder Jarred Kelenic from Seattle in a salary dump deal that temporarily netted the team Marco Gonzales and Evan White. Kelenic made adjustments to his swing that helped him put up his best career MLB season. And, Kelenic enters 2024 on a pre-arbitration deal.

However, arguably the most notable addition was Chris Sale. Sale, the active leader in K/9, came over from Boston after yet another injury-riddled campaign. However, Sale did show positive signs not seen from the lefty since 2018.

Notable Subtractions

The subtractions part of the Braves offseason recap is a lengthy one.

Atlanta traded away Kyle Wright, who will miss all of 2024, as well as Mike Soroka and Jared Shuster. The duo of Soroka and Shuster didn’t have a clear path to rotation time in Atlanta but will look to get more rope with the White Sox.

Aside from those three, the Braves also opted not to retain Eddie Rosario. Rosario had a much better 2023 after an injury-plagued 2022 but the presence of Kelenic can be seen as a long-term upgrade.

What to Expect in 2024

The Braves’ last two seasons did not end as planned, as Atlanta was ousted in the NLDS by Philadelphia in both 2022 and 2023.

Now, the good news for the Braves is that the team’s core is intact and should remain intact barring any unforeseen circumstances. After all, young stars Ronald Acuna Jr. Ozzie Albies, and Austin Riley are all under team control through at least 2025 — and that’s not counting team options.

And with a loaded overall team, the Braves are the heavy favorite to win the NL East. However, the potential loss of Max Fried could mean that the Braves could have just one shot left before the star lefty leaves Atlanta.