MLB’s annual Winter Meetings begin Sunday evening in San Diego and there are some questions that would be nice to get answered in regards to the Atlanta Braves.
It has been a highly productive winter thus far for Alex Anthopoulos and the Atlanta Braves, but significant issues remain on the roster. Hopefully they can get those resolved by the time the Winter Meetings conclude next Wednesday.
By far the hole at third base is the most significant issue.
There has been some discussion on social media that Mike Moustakas’ deal with the Reds surely will land Josh Donaldson a four-year offer from a team, likely in the American League.
That could take the Braves out of the mix… and that’s already the case for Anthony Rendon.
If they are unable to sign Donaldson or bring in another power bat at third base, they will need to find a power hitter for the outfield.
Currently, the outfield looks like a Nick Markakis/Adam Duvall platoon in left field, Ender Inciarte in center field and Ronald Acuna in right field.
In order to protect Freddie Freeman, the Braves might have to make adjustments to that.
The payroll currently sits around $130 million, so it seems likely the Braves are going to increase it to $140 million and likely more.
Of course, some more flexibility can be gained if the Braves trade Inciarte ($7.7 million) or Shane Greene (projected $6.5 million).
It seems like the impact free agents still available are going to prices and contracts not comfortable for the Braves, so the trade market might be the place the Braves look to fill their remaining needs.
Some possible prospects or young players the Braves could involve in a trade include Bryse Wilson, Kyle Wright, Sean Newcomb and William Contreras.
It would have to take a significant player for the Braves to part with top prospects Cristian Pache, Drew Waters or Ian Anderson.
More on that later.