Braves News: Braves coaching changes, bringing back Rangel and Wilson, more
The things with the Atlanta Braves were comparatively busy yesterday…at least when compared to how this offseason has started which can be generously described as a crawl. We still don’t have news on shortstop or left field, but hopefully we get some movement on those fronts soon.
We actually had one departure from the organization as well as some returns to the minor leagues. The Braves coaching staff has been very static over the last few years as the organization has done a pretty remarkable job of keeping the staff together despite a presumed large amount of interest from other teams in their talents. Unfortunately, the team did end up losing a coach yesterday as their assistant hitting coach Jose Castro took a job with the White Sox.
As for the returns, both Alan Rangel and Brooks Wilson were recent 40 man roster casualties when the Braves had to make some room for Rule 5 protections and some other roster moves. However, they are both back with the organization as they both finalized minor league deals with the Braves recently.
More Braves News
Elsewhere on the site, we had a really interesting look at the Statcast standout performers on the Braves during the 2022 season. Spoilers: the Braves pitching staff features prominently as well as a certain 2022 National League Rookie of the Year winner.
We also had coverage of Ronald Acuna Jr.’s Venezuelan Winter League Home Run Derby win where players and fans rushed the field. No, seriously…that happened…and it was glorious.
Finally, Fred took a look at the financial dealings of the Braves and Liberty Media with a particular emphasis on their recent decision to create a new split-off stock for Braves holdings. People who think/hope that Liberty is selling the Braves are likely to be disappointed, but it is still an interesting look at where the Braves are financially and why corporations do the things they do.
MLB News
Jacob deGrom continues to be a popular name on the free agent market. While the Mets seem to really, really want him to come back, a surprising team has thrown the hat in the ring as the normally frugal Rays have been rumored to be in touch with deGrom’s camp. Given that Tampa has not ever given out anywhere near what deGrom is expected to get in terms of AAV, color me skeptical.
The Mets are covering all of their bases to be sure (plus they have an owner that has stupid money to throw around) as they have been linked to numerous players so far. One player that they met with was Carlos Rodon who would be a big get for New York especially if deGrom decides to sign elsewhere.
In terms of deals that actually got done yesterday, old friend Shelby Miller has a new team as the Dodgers signed him to a major league deal on Tuesday. Shelby is a reliever these days and has struggled mightily on a number of levels, but if the Dodgers are bringing into the fold then they clearly see something worth trying to salvage.