While four teams remain in the MLB postseason, the Atlanta Braves have been navigating the offseason for a full two weeks now. Both Alex Anthopoulos and fans are patiently waiting of the conclusion of the 2024 season so that some transactions can get the offseason rolling.
Until then, we've got some player comments, award nominations, and trade rumors to catch you up on.
Whit Merrifield pokes at the Phillies...again
Utility man Whit Merrifield joined the Braves organization this summer after he was released mid-year by Philadelphia. Merrifield found success quickly as he stepped in for the injured Ozzie Albies. He quickly became a fan favorite when he pointed out the difference in environment between the two NL East rivals.
Merrifield recently joined the folks at Foul Territory for an interview, and once again he has some words for Phillies faithful. When asked about the early playoff exit for Philadelphia Merrifield said, "Have you seen their record after they released me?"
Obviously Merrifield said this in a joking manner, but he wasn't wrong in his comments. Philadelphia played the rest of the regular season with a winning percentage under .500 after Merrifield's release on July 12.
.@WhitMerrifield jokes about the @Phillies tough second half and early playoff exit 🤣
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) October 15, 2024
"Have you seen their record after they released me?" pic.twitter.com/uPsJoXNNuF
Olson a finalist for his first Gold Glove with Atlanta
Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson is a two time Gold Glove winner in his career. However, both of those awards came while Olson was still playing baseball in Oakland. Now, Olson will have his first chance to capture a National League Gold Glove as he was one of two Braves named as a finalist at their position on Tuesday.
The first couple of seasons saw Olson's defense struggle at times, but most fans weren't bothered because of the power Olson provided in the lineup. Thankfully, this season saw Olson glove return to form in a big way. Olson led all first baseman in Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) with 14, nearly doubling the next highest mark.
Olson also ranked in the 85th percentile in Outs Above Average (OAA) via Baseball Savant. It will have to be Olson or Phillies rival Bryce Harper that breaks the streak of Diamondbacks first baseman Christian Walker's back to back Gold Glove awards.
Trade rumors already swirling
Even though the season has yet to conclude the rumor mill is in full force. Yesterday, B/R gave their take on a few big offseason trade possibilities (one of which included one of Atlanta's best hitters). Expect these reports to continue to intensify as hot stove season is upon us.
The Braves have already been linked to a few notable free agents, and the trade market figures to feature Atlanta in the mix as well. The Braves do not own the deepest farm system in baseball, but numerous near MLB ready prospects that sit atop their top 30 list will have a lot of teams checking in with Anthopoulos in the winter months.