How the Stephen Strasburg signing is good for Atlanta Braves

 Nationals are less likely to land Rendon

The Nationals’ owner, Mark Lerner, was quoted in the Washington Post stating the Nationals would be unable to afford both Stephen Strasburg and Anthony Rendon.

"“We really can only afford to have one of those two guys,” Lerner told Donald Dell of NBC Sports Washington, referring to Stephen Strasburg and Anthony Rendon, two franchise pillars testing the open market as free agents. A snippet of the interview was posted on the outlet’s website Thursday evening. “They’re huge numbers. We already have a really large payroll to begin with. So we’re pursuing them, we’re pursuing other free agents in case they decide to go elsewhere.”"

Rendon is projected to get a very similar contract to the one Strasburg just inked. If the Nationals were to pay Rendon $35 million per year for seven or eight years, that would put a huge financial burden on the team for the next few years.

It’s crazy to think about it but if they were somehow to bring Rendon back too, he and Strasburg would combine for a higher average annual salary than the Opening Day payrolls of the Rays, Blue Jays, Pirates, and Marlins in 2019.

Win-Now Braves

The Braves are in a win-now mode. The gloves are off and they are going World Series or bust. The signing of Strasburg ups the ante for Alex Anthopoulos and the Braves front office.

The Opening Day payroll is already higher than ever before and they may feel pressure to keep piling on now that the Nationals have struck with this massive contract.

Talks of Josh Donaldson going for four years have appeared to drive a wedge between the Braves and the Bringer of Rain, in the rumor mill.

Perhaps envisioning a lineup that drops off after Freeman will encourage the Braves to dig a little deeper to bring Donaldson back.

Maybe the Braves feel a little less confident in their outfield situation knowing the Nationals are the likely favorites to win the East now.

The takeaway for the Braves is that we have to get an impact bat to compete. We can’t expect to beat the likes of the three-headed monster in the postseason with the current projected lineup.

Whether it’s dumping piles of cash or an extra year on Donaldson, or giving up some big-time prospects (you know who) in order to trade for an established player, something must be done.

What do you think is the next move for the Braves? Does Strasburg seal the deal for the Nationals? Let us know in the comments below.