The Atlanta Braves’ needs are clear: they need at least one, and probably two starters, another dependable outfield bat, another reliever, and a decision on their starting shortstop. Those needs won’t vanish when the season ends, so filling some, if not all, of the vacancies with controllable players is essential.
The Braves must buy at the deadline, and adding controllable players needed in 2027 makes sense. Those deals will cost more money and prospect capital, but offer a more cost-effective long-term option. While not addressing the team’s 2027 needs, Jesús Cano urged the same path in The Athletic.
"“What should (the Braves) do: Sell the farm…no prospect is truly off limits…and you’ll always be able to bring in more... The Braves…invested so much in (the core) financially (that) With a lockout looming, Anthopoulos should go all-in to bring home another World Series to Atlanta.”"Jesus Cano
The Braves should go all-in at the deadline to build future certainty means investing now
The Braves control their core, but the roster’s aging, and next year’s rotation depends on the return of injured pitchers to their best form and Chris Sale at 38. The 2021 lockout lasted until March, creating a mad rush to sign players without the time to negotiate the best deals. That’s an awful way to build a roster.
The plan is simple: pay what it takes for the needed player or players who have at least a year of retainability via arbitration, an existing contract, or a reasonably priced club option. Rentals are a waste of assets and a last resort to fill a glaring need; last resorts have that status for a reason.
The Braves reset their CBT status in 2025, making them first-time payers again. The club’s payroll is roughly $6 million below the second threshold, and any deal will push the team into the next bracket, but if the deal makes the team better next year, the tax shouldn’t matter. The new CBA will raise thresholds, and a postseason run will generate enough income to pay the tax.
Every prospect should be available for the right deal. If you’re in love with a prospect, buy some tissues, because prospects are the currency of trades. History shows that the Braves kept too many prospects until they became footnotes while hoping they’d figure it out. Under Alex Anthopoulos, the Braves have a history of hiring rental players and fixing everything in the offseason. Rentals are a bandage needed only if the player is inexpensive or there’s no other answer.
He made six deals involving moving multiple players for a marquee player or players needed for a postseason run. He hasn’t done it since coming to Atlanta, but this season isn’t like past seasons; a bold move is the best option now.
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