Atlanta Braves: What We Know After the Winter Meetings
It Could be a While
We kind of got the feeling from AA coming into the Winter Meetings that the Braves were now at a place to wait the market out. That feeling was confirmed at the Winter Meetings when it was hinted that we may not see another move until January.
#Braves aren't close to finalizing any trade or FA signing, Anthopouolos said. Have had many discussions in both areas, but nothing so far that's at price or term they're comfortable with. That goes for starting and relief pitching as well as outfielders, he said.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) December 11, 2018
It sounds like the Braves are not really close to making any moves at this point, and with the slowness of the market that makes a lot of sense.
If the outfield market were to pick up in the coming weeks, then maybe the Braves have to jump back in the mix. But with the holidays coming up, it’s more likely the Braves will stand pat until January.
There is no reason to get impatient with the reliever market as it’s flooded with guys who could give the Braves what they need.
Plus, I think a lot of the Braves moves might come through trades, and those aren’t likely to materialize until more free agents are signed.
Of course, the baseball offseason can turn on a dime. If the right deal presents itself, we could see something done today.
But as we saw last offseason, teams are waiting out players. They are not going to overpay for free agents.
The other thing holding up the market is Bryce Harper and Manny Machado. I don’t think a lot gets done until both of those guys sign, and there is almost no talk of that happening anytime soon.
And with AA keeping things tight-lipped, we may not have many rumors to go on. So stay patient as we continue this offseason, as it might be a while before Atlanta makes another move.