It is hard to be upset with the work that Atlanta Braves President of Baseball Operations Alex Anthopoulos has done so far this offseason. After a forgettable 2024 offseason, the Braves' GM has has bounced back in a big way, making several key additions to Atlanta's roster. Across Major League Baseball, the Braves stand out as one of the most aggressive teams to this point.
In theory, adding quality big-league players is an easy way to be labeled as an offseason winner. However, history has shown that free agency aggression does not always translate into effective moves. Fortunately for Atlanta, Anthopoulos' approach this winter is earning praise rather than skepticism. That recognition arrived this week when Bleacher Report named the Braves one of MLB’s biggest offseason winners so far.
Bleacher Report lists Braves amongst biggest offseason winners, Mets as one of the biggest losers
On Thursday, Bleacher Report released an article breaking down MLB's biggest offseason winners and losers so far. This list included actual teams, and free agent position groups, and Atlanta landed firmly in the winning category for reasons we have detailed before. B/R specifically highlighted Anthopoulos' additions of quality backend bullpen arms, plus the overall bolstering of Atlanta's depth as key reasons for the Braves' inclusion.
Relief pitchers as a whole were also listed as big winners this offseason—an area where Atlanta made its biggest splash. Other winning teams mentioned included a pair of AL East clubs in the Orioles (who signed Pete Alonso), and the Blue Jays who have been following up their AL Pennant with big spending.
To make matters even better for Braves fans, Bleacher Report labeled the Mets as one of the offseason’s biggest losers thus far. The article pointed to the departures of Edwin Díaz and Pete Alonso, while also criticizing New York for failing to adequately address its starting rotation. Those contrasting paths help explain why national outlets are once again viewing Atlanta as the team to beat in the NL East.
Of course, there is plenty of the baseball offseason to go, so this list could very well be turned on it's head come March. But that also leaves room for Anthopoulos to make additional moves—and if he does, the Braves could separate themselves even further from the rest of the division. Yes, the offseason can be considered a win so far—but a win shouldn’t be the end goal when offseason dominance is still within reach.