The Atlanta Braves’ offseason has been marked by cost-cutting moves, leaving fans eagerly awaiting a significant signing. The recent addition of outfielder Bryan De La Cruz on a one-year, non-guaranteed contract has done little to alleviate the sense of anticipation. While De La Cruz provides organizational depth, his signing is unlikely to make a substantial impact on the team’s fortunes.
The Braves’ most pressing need remains the acquisition of a starting pitcher, outfielder, or relief pitcher. The signing of De La Cruz, who has produced a negative WAR in each of the past two seasons, does little to address this need. Instead, it serves as a reminder that the team’s offseason has been characterized by a series of underwhelming moves.
The decision not to exercise the $8 million option on clubhouse leader Travis d’Arnaud’s contract was understandable, given the presence of Sean Murphy, who is set to earn $15 million in 2025. Similarly, the reworking of the contracts of Reynaldo López and Aaron Bummer, which provides them with lower-than-anticipated salaries for 2025 and higher-than-anticipated salaries for future seasons, makes sense from a financial perspective.
However, the non-tendering of Ramón Laureano, who would have been eligible for arbitration, raises questions about the team’s commitment to spending. President of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos has stated that he is willing to exceed the Competitive Balance Tax threshold for a third consecutive year, but the team’s actions suggest otherwise.
The Braves remain approximately $24 million below the threshold, which should provide Anthopoulos with sufficient flexibility to make a significant signing. However, until the team demonstrates a willingness to spend, fans will continue to feel anxious about the team’s prospects for the 2025 season.
The signing of De La Cruz may have provided a temporary distraction, but it has done little to alleviate the sense of anticipation that surrounds the team’s offseason. As the weeks and months tick by, fans will be watching closely to see if the Braves make a long-anticipated splash in the free agent market.
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