Major League Baseball's annual Winter Meetings always ramps up the excitement around the sport. General Manger's like Jerry Dipoto, A.J. Preller, and David Stearns are some of the most active GM's in baseball, and the Winter Meetings usually gives us a notable deal or two before it's conclusion.
Last season, the Red Sox traded for Garrett Crochet in a blockbuster deal, and Braves fans are hopeful similar winter fireworks are on tap for Atlanta next week. However, Atlanta Braves President of Baseball Operations, Alex Anthopoulos has a much different method of operation compared to the A.J. Preller's of the world. For that reason, and clear roster holes surrounding the Braves, they are one of the most intriguing teams entering the Winter Meetings.
They would take plate appearances from Baldwin if they acquired an everyday DH. But I agree that they could benefit from the addition of an OF who would be one of the team’s many DH options https://t.co/tCTNEhq8hj
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) December 4, 2025
Alex Anthopoulos thrives with the mystery around Braves as they enter the Winter Meetings
Baseball fans know the big time free agents and blockbuster trade targets by now, but any rumors involving the Braves' interest are simply not out there. Operating in the dark is exactly the way Anthopoulos likes it, and it grants the Braves several avenues to improving their 2026 roster.
Although the Braves have already traded for shortstop Maurcio Dubon, the possibility to add another shortstop - including re-signing Ha-Seong Kim - still exists. Another method to add offense is to acquire an outfield/DH type bat to supplement the loss of Marcell Ozuna this winter. However, many (including Anthopoulos himself) have been open about the need to prioritize starting pitching. All of these roster questions and how Anthopoulos addresses them, feed into what expectations fans will have for Atlanta in 2026.
Then there is every possibility that things remain quiet, just as they did in the previous offseason. Obviously, a quiet December isn't the situation Braves fans are hoping for, but baseball's offseason speeds up for no one. Anthopoulos has shown time and time again he is more than willing to play the waiting game.
With so little evidence/rumors to go off of, the Braves will be one of the most interesting follows next week. Along with potential targets, Braves fans will be bigger than usual observers on the December 9th Draft Lottery. Once Atlanta finds out there final draft position, perhaps Anthopoulos begins to dive deeper into his offseason plans for Atlanta. Plenty of things will happen at the Winter Meetings, and thankfully all of us will learn more about the Braves motives next week.