It has been a rather quiet offseason for the Atlanta Braves to this point. However, they've at least done a great job adding depth to the roster with a few minor league contracts here and there while trimming their roster fat along the way.
There haven't been many rumblings surrounding free agents except for Willy Adames who signed with the Giants. Atlanta was reported to be one of the finalists for a Garrett Crochet trade but they lost out to the Red Sox. Fans have clamored for the team to make an impact move but it remains to be seen if that will happen.
MLB insider thinks Jack Flaherty is the answer to Braves' pitching needs
MLB insider Jim Bowden recently released a list of 6 moves he'd like to see made this offseason. The Braves were featured on this list with Atlanta signing Jack Flaherty as a replacement for Max Fried. Fried signed a massive contract with the Yankees and Charlie Morton will likely not return.
Jack Flaherty, Wicked Knuckle Curves. 🤢 pic.twitter.com/MSTiZjmMyv
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) October 26, 2024
The Braves do probably have to sign at least one starter this offseason and Flaherty would be a good addition as long as he passes a physical. Health has been a big question about the righty in the past but he had a great 2024 with the Tigers and Dodgers. Flaherty ended the season with a 3.17 ERA and 3.47 FIP with 38 walks and 194 strikeouts.
Bowden didn't suggest any contract terms as he believes that will depend on medical reports. However, FanGraph's free agency tracker has Flaherty projected to earn a four-year, $88 million contract ($22 million AAV).
Spencer Strider provides update on his expected 2025 Braves return
There's been uncertainty surrounding when Spencer Strider will return next season. He recently appeared on Corey Kluber's podcast "Casa de Klub" and gave insight on when he expects he will return to the mound.
Strider mentioned that everything is feeling good and as long as things stay that way, he could be facing hitters when pitchers and catchers report to North Port. He also confirmed there was no tear to his UCL and received a brace, not Tommy John surgery.
Strider said he hopes that shortly after the season begins, he will be effective enough and have achieved what he needed to in his recovery program to face teams in regular season games. He seems very encouraged by his progress which is great news for Braves fans.
Griffin Canning signs with Braves' NL East Rival
The New York Mets agreed to a one-year, $4.25 million deal with Griffin Canning. The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal was the first to report this news. His contract is pending physicals and also features $1MM in performance bonuses.
Canning was part of Atlanta's return for trading Jorge Soler to the Angels the day after the World Series. Soler being traded was more about freeing up space in Atlanta's budget as Canning was never expected to stay with Atlanta. In his five big league seasons, the 28-year-old earned a career 4.78 ERA with 183 walks and 483 strikeouts over 508 innings.
He was set to earn $5.1 million in arbitration for 2025. The Braves non-tendered him which led to him signing with the Mets. His deal with New York is just a tad higher than that with the performance bonus included.