2025 has officially arrived, although the start of the season is still a ways away which means the offseason wait continues. For Atlanta Braves fans, this offseason has been particularly torturous as the Braves have yet to make any significant moves beyond clearing payroll space and officially losing Max Fried.
While most agree that the Braves are going to do "something" this offseason, it has been extremely difficult to pin down Atlanta's game plan. They missed out on Garrett Crochet which was sad and popular targets for the Braves like Willy Adames and Nathan Eovaldi signed elsewhere. The Braves don't need much going into 2025, but it has certainly been a bit weird they have been so quiet thus far.
However, that doesn't mean that there is nothing worth providing an update on when it comes to the goings on with the Bravos.
Max Scherzer-Braves connections seem to be gaining steam
Scherzer isn't the pitcher he once was and at 40 years old, Scherzer's run of injuries lately are a genuine concern. However, there doesn't seem to be a shortage of interest in the future Hall of Famer as there are at least four teams interested in signing Scherzer with the Braves being speculated as a potential fit as well. There are a number of problems with the Braves going after an older arm like Scherzer, but there is no denying his upside if he returns to form.
Former top Braves prospect Braden Shewmake just got DFA'd by the White Sox
When the Braves drafted Braden Shewmake in the first round back in 2019, most thought he was a guy that would probably hit, but whose future defensive home and power output was very much in question. Instead, Shewmake showed a bit of power and turned into a slick fielding shortstop, but he seemingly forgot how to hit along the way. The Braves gave up on him and included Shewmake in the Aaron Bummer trade with the White Sox. After an injury-filled 2024 where he struggled to do much of anything in the majors or minors, Chicago decided to designate Shewmake for assignment to make room for Tyler Gilbert.
Braves minor league catcher Sebastian Rivero signs with the Angels
You are forgiven for not knowing Rivero's name as he never appeared on Atlanta's top prospect rankings and posted a sub-.500 OPS in his only minor league season with the Braves organization between Double-A and Triple-A. However, he was real catching depth in the upper minors with some big league experience which matters given the departure of Travis d'Arnaud. With the news this week that Rivero signed a minor league deal with the Angels, it is becoming more and more clear that Chadwick Tromp and perhaps Drake Baldwin are Atlanta's primary backup catching options heading into 2025.