In truth, the clock is already ticking loudly, but if the Atlanta Braves miss both of these dates this month, there may have to be a big change to deal with next Spring.
Atlanta Braves General Manager Alex Anthopoulos has truly done his job well this season when measuring this team against the ruler of wins and losses… which of course is the only ruler that matters to most fans.
There have been some obvious problems that fell out of his control — Marcell Ozuna‘s arrest, the injuries to both Ronald Acuna Jr. and Mike Soroka being highest on the list.
The trade deadline acquisitions have proven to be almost perfect. I say almost in that there are always the fish that got away: a “true” center fielder and an additional bullpen arm being the deals that he couldn’t pull off. On balance, though… not bad at all.
As things have unfolded this Summer in the days since, Anthopoulos has looked into his crystal ball and foreseen reasons to get started on the 2022 season.
In Travis d’Arnaud, he saw the need for a veteran catcher to not only lead the charge, but one that already knows his staff and can mentor the next generation to come.
In Charlie Morton, he saw a top-of-the-rotation starter who is one of those rare horses who seems to be getting better and more durable with age (in this, his 14th major league season, his ERA is lower than all but 3 other years).
Anthopoulos has now extended both players for 2022, eliminating the need to fight in the scrum for the precious few free agent scraps that will be available this Winter at those positions.
Which leaves one matter to be dealt with.
Circle 2 dates on your Atlanta Braves magnetic schedule
We learned this week that the Braves have finally engaged in contract extension discussions with their multi-year All-Star and reigning MVP of the National League, Freddie Freeman.
Freddie Freeman and Braves have been talking but there’s still a gap so free agency appears a surprisingly strong possibility. Both sides want to get it done and that’s the likelihood eventually. Reminiscent of Turner/LAD and HOF Jeter/NYY talks, great FA who stayed. @MLBNetwork
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) September 9, 2021
Let’s discuss where the parties really are at this stage.