The 2024 MLB Winter Meetings are finally here and with these meetings comes the opportunity for chaos. Whether it's a shockingly expensive free agent contract being signed or an impact trade between rivals, baseball executives can use this chance to really change the narrative surrounding their team including the Atlanta Braves.
Over the years, Braves fans have been treated to some exciting trades and free agent signings. However, there are a few that stand above the rest. In 2015, Atlanta was in the midst of a much-needed rebuild.
A month before this, Atlanta traded Andrelton Simmons and Cameron Maybin for prospects. However, there is another particular trade that happened in December where the Atlanta Braves shocked everyone.
The Arizona Diamondbacks had just drafted Vanderbilt standout Dansby Swanson as the #1 pick during the 2015 MLB Draft. He was thought to be the next big thing in Major League Baseball. Arizona had made one of the organization's best-ever draft picks.
Atlanta's front office knew this and decided they take a chance on acquiring him. Somehow, the Braves convinced Arizona to part ways with Swanson, Ender Inciarte, and Aaron Blair in exchange for Shelby Miller and Gabe Speier.
Braves History: Atlanta jumpstarted their rebuild with blockbuster trade for Dansby Swanson, Ender Inciarte
On the surface, this appeared like a good trade for both sides. Miller was coming off an All-Star season with a 3.02 ERA with 171 strikeouts over 205.1 innings. There was one problem, however. He had a 6-17 record due to pitching for a Braves team that couldn't score runs.
December 9, 2015 - the Braves acquire Dansby Swanson at the #WinterMeetings in a blockbuster five-player deal.
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) December 9, 2023
MLB Network + @CohnReznick pic.twitter.com/aZ1GmILHHA
Regardless, Arizona received a controllable, 25-year-old starter who looked destined to break out. This player could boost any team's rotation and provide quality innings. Unfortunately for the Diamondbacks, it soon became one of the biggest fleeces in MLB trade history.
Miller ended up tanking during his three years in Arizona with a 5-18 record, a 6.35 ERA, and 109 strikeouts. He was a severe disappointment for the Dbacks and Gabe Speier never really ended up doing much as he was traded to the Royals in 2018 and made his MLB debut in 2019. He is currently with the Mariners.
Dansby quickly became a fan favorite in Atlanta. He took some time to figure things out despite an impressive 38-game stint in 2016 where he batted .302 with the Braves. However, his first full season was a struggle offensively but he was excellent defensively. Ultimately, Swanson earned a .255/.321/.417 slash line with Atlanta, including 161 doubles, 102 homers, a 95 OPS+, and 411 RBI during his seven years with the club. Swanson helped lead the Braves to a World Series win in 2021. He sadly exited Atlanta in free agency after the 2022 season and is now with the Cubs.
Ender Inciarte earned three Gold Gloves and one All-Star selection with the Braves. He was one of the best outfield defenders the organization ever had and I don't know about you, but I think about his game-ending catch against the Mets often.
He batted .275/.355/.382 during six years with the club, including 93 doubles, 21 triples, 32 homers, 78 stolen bases, and 191 RBI. Atlanta couldn't have asked for more from Inciarte despite falling off a cliff during his final two seasons with the team. His first few seasons were a lot of fun. Aaron Blair had a lot of promise but never became as successful as many expected the former first-round pick to be. He appeared in two seasons with Atlanta and earned a 7.89 ERA with 34 walks and 46 strikeouts over 73 innings. He has not appeared on an MLB mound since 2017.
Shelby Miller found a way to stick around as he's had stints with multiple teams but with limited success. He was most recently with the Tigers in 2024 in a relief role. Braves fans will never forget this trade as it provided them with years of memories that will last a lifetime.