There has been a lot of news coming out of the Atlanta Braves camp this offseason, from losing fan-favorite players in free agency to restructured contracts and award wins.
However, this is just the beginning of Atlanta's busy offseason. They have multiple positions to fill or consider upgrading. Alex Anthopoulos and company have their work cut out for them.
There are a couple of noteworthy things to cover from the last couple of days so let's get started.
Braves' legend Andruw Jones to be inducted into Latin Baseball Hall of Fame
Braves fans have long wondered when Andruw Jones will be inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame. He's steadily gained more support over the last seven years but fell short again in the 2024 vote. However, there's hope he will be selected before his window closes, as he had 61.6% of the vote. Players need 75% of the votes to be elected into baseball's hallowed grounds.
However, Jones will receive eternal recognition in the Latin Baseball Hall of Fame. It was reported that the former Atlanta center fielder will be inducted on December 2 alongside Felix Hernandez, Alex Rodriguez, Alfonso Soriano, and Johan Santana.
#Braves great Andruw Jones will be inducted in the Latin Baseball Hall of Fame on Dec. 2. https://t.co/VJBjoeoARG
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) November 16, 2024
Jones batted .254, with 434 home runs and .823 OPS over a 17-season career (12 in Atlanta). He appeared in five All-Star games and finished second to Albert Pujols for the NL MVP in 2005. The Curacao Kid won 10 Gold Gloves and was regarded as one of the best outfield defenders in baseball history. Former Braves third baseman Terry Pendelton stated he overheard Willie Mays tell Andruw he was "the best he'd ever seen."
Willie Mays saying that to anyone is a huge deal, and there would be merit to the argument, especially on the defensive side. Jones led MLB with a 26.7 defensive WAR during his time with the Braves. He was certainly one of the best at his position.
Congratulations to Andruw on a fantastic accomplishment! Hopefully, the MLB HOF is his next stop.
Braves' ace Chris Sale named National League Comeback Player of the Year
In 2024, Chris Sale proved to everyone in baseball that his best days weren't behind him. After being traded to Atlanta from Boston and considered "washed up," Sale pitched with a huge chip on his shoulder.
This year, he turned in an incredible campaign with a record of 18-3, a 2.38 ERA, and 225 strikeouts. It's all the more impressive when you consider Sale only tossed 151 innings from 2020-2023.
Atlanta's lefty ace was rightly named NL Comeback Player of the Year, making him the fourth Brave to receive the honor. Tim Hudson, Jonny Venters, and Josh Donaldson are the other three players to win the award.
Chris Sale becomes the fourth @Braves player to win @MLB NL Comeback Player of the Year🏆 pic.twitter.com/gt3D35ZFBZ
— Braves On FanDuel Sports Network (@FanDuelSNBraves) November 15, 2024
Sale has already added a few awards to his name this season, including a Gold Glove. He also became the first NL pitcher to win the pitching triple crown since Clayton Kershaw accomplished the feat in 2011.
The 35-year-old completed his eighth 200-strikeout season, which puts Sale just behind his idol Randy Johnson for the most career strikeouts by a left-handed pitcher. This should all cumulate with the southpaw winning his first-ever Cy Young Award. It is well deserved, and Braves fans will look forward to him leading the rotation in 2025.