Atlanta Braves rumors: still looking to improve lineup for Opening Day

We are now down to less than 48 hours away from the 1st pitch of the Atlanta Braves’ season, yet the team is choosing not to announce the Opening Day roster.  There are reasons.

This is coming down to the wire, this Atlanta Braves roster.  As of this moment, the team is preparing to go to Philadelphia, but even so, there are players who are currently planning to make this flight strictly on a “just in case” basis.

The reason for this is because the coaching staff and the Front Office aren’t finished tinkering.  While they are willing to go to Philadelphia with what they have in hand, they are still trying to get better, even at this late hour.

In looking about, there are no currently active rumors about outfielder trades or acquisitions, whether we’re talking about waived players, released players, or… whatever.

As for the outfield, though, we’re probably not looking at a major trade of any kind.  Nick Castellanos is not going to be obtained to be a bench bat, for instance.

What we do know is this:

• The team has chosen not to completely cut ties with Adam Duvall, choosing to send him to AAA Gwinnett to get his hitting straightened out.  Given that outfield defense options don’t grow on trees, that seems to be a reasonable approach.
• Matt Joyce is therefore the current man on the bubble.  It’s his job unless another option emerges.  If so, he was said to be willing to go to AAA.

But the more intriguing story involves the bullpen.

About Craig Kimbrel

Here’s the real rumor…. yes: we’re back to Craig Kimbrel now.  Here’s the story:

This tells us enough about what’s going on.  It sounds like the hangup isn’t about dollars… it’s more about years.

Kimbrel originally wanted a 6-year pact when the off-season got underway.  This report of a 3-year request does represent a significant concession… and frankly, I’m with O’Brien here.

The Braves still have Minter, and under Kimbrel’s tutelage, there’s the reasonable potential for him to become a closing-caliber beast as well.  This would give the Braves a devastating lefty/righty combination for the 8th/9th innings.

Such would be vital for teams with ambitions of going deep into the playoffs.

Arodys Vizcaino is still here, though he is only under contract through this season… his age 28 season.  What’s the likelihood that Atlanta chooses to extend him?  Can’t say it’s a high chance.

Between the pair, they have 64 career saves.  Kimbrel has over five times that.

I’ll say it, too:  it’s not my money, but I would try to at least find some common ground with Kimbrel… perhaps a 3rd year vesting option that pops if he finishes 30 games in 2020 and doesn’t end the season on the disabled list… oops: the ‘Injured List’.

Kimbrel needs this.  The Braves may need this more.  With 3 rookies starting games, they must have a bullpen that is experienced and strong… both strong in deed and strong in numbers.

Will it happen?  I would rate this about a 40/60 shot right now (more no than yes).  But better now than either (a) waiting indefinitely and allowing him to choose another team; or (b) taking a lesser option in July.

The good news?  DOB’s tweet confirms that the 2 sides have been talked.  Is that on-going?  You’d have to think so, given the circumstances.

Roster Watch

As of this evening, there are 39 names on the 40-man roster, broken down in this manner:

• 25 pitchers (Josh Tomlin not among them)
• 5 outfielders (Matt Joyce not among them)
• 5 infielders
• 4 catchers

In the latest roster news:  Kyle Wright has made the team, Bryse Wilson has made the team, and Wes Parsons has made the team.

Fred went through the details on the roster recently, so you can investigate further there.