Atlanta Braves added two new pitchers, now need two bats
By Fred Owens
The Atlanta Braves have a limited Budget, making managing cost an important issue.
After signing Smyly and Morton, I have the Braves projected payroll between $109 and $113M for 25 of the 26 slots on the Major League roster, using minimum salary players to fill in the gaps.
Ozuna would earn at least $18M, which puts the payroll number between $127 and $131M. Unless the Atlanta Braves are willing to bust $140M again in 2021, fitting a second bat in along with Ozuna is financially difficult. Without an NL DH, Ozuna isn’t as attractive.
I believe Anthopoulos would like to add a backup catcher other than Jackson or William Contreras, which further complicates the situation, but answers may come in the form of trades.
Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos is known for making under the radar deals no one expects and acting quickly. This looks like the right time to do it again.
WARNING!
The following is predicated on no NL DH, and therefore no Ozuna, and keeping payroll under $130M.
Time to phone a friend
Former Atlanta Braves assistant GM Perry Minasian has a big job with the Angels; part of it requires acquiring a shortstop or a second baseman and a closer.
The Braves could offer Will Smith and Johan Camargo to Anaheim in exchange for minor league players, 2b/OF Jahmai Jones, RHP Andrew Wantz, and RHP Garrett Stallings.
The players received aren’t sent in stone: just those I felt offered a reasonable return. Of the three, only Jones requires a 40-man slot (for the record, the Angels’ 40-man list currently has 38 names on it).
A move like this move would clear roughly $15M in payroll, bring more balance to the bullpen, and still leave the Braves multiple options to close a game.