If the Braves don’t make a single move this offseason, they will still be better than 2024

The Atlanta Braves have tried their best to put the 2024 season in the rearview mirror. It was a tough experience, but they somehow found a way to sneak into the playoffs. They were bounced pretty easily by the Padres, but no one expected them to get far without their best pitchers in the Wild Card round.

However, the season-ending brings hope for a new season and better results. A few big-name free agents are available this offseason that the Braves could consider adding to their already talented roster.

There are some who want to see the Braves make some big moves this offseason, which is understandable considering how everything ended. However, even if the team decided to make only minor moves, they'll still be better in 2025 than they were this year.

Now, will the Braves make zero moves this offseason and stay complacent? Absolutely not. They've already shown they are working on clearing payroll to ensure they can make the moves they need to.

However, the great thing for Atlanta is they don't need to make a lot of moves to be a better team. They will be getting back key pieces like Ronald Acuña Jr, Spencer Strider, Austin Riley, and Ozzie Albies, to name a few. Those are three superstar players that immediately make the team better.

We learned that Acuña and Strider likely won't be available by Opening Day but will return. Charlie Morton and Max Fried's reaching free agency creates two significant holes in the rotation, but there are internal options that could help fill at least one of those voids. The second will need to be completed via free agency or trade.

Marcell Ozuna was brought back on his $16 million club option for 2025, ensuring the Braves have a great DH option. Players who struggled offensively in 2024 will undoubtedly bounce back, especially with a new voice in hitting coach Tim Hyers.

Matt Olson ended his 2024 strong with an incredible final month of the season. Michael Harris II exploded in the playoffs, showing he is figuring things out. Keeping everyone healthy and confident will be the key to a bounceback offensively.

The starting rotation will feature the second season of Chris Sale in a Braves uniform. He had one of the best seasons of his career, which many expect to earn him his first Cy Young Award. Reynaldo Lopez, who recently had his contract restructured, will hope to have similar success as he did during a surprising 2024 campaign. Lastly, rookie Spencer Schwellenbach, who caught everyone's attention this season, will return and contribute. Add Spencer Strider and a free agent/internal option, and you'll have an impressive rotation.

Atlanta's bullpen was impressive in 2024, but AJ Minter reached free agency, and Joe Jimenez is expected to miss all of next season to recover from knee surgery. However, most of the bullpen will return, and that's encouraging.

While Alex Anthopoulos will look for every avenue to improve this team ahead of next season, the Braves truly don't have to do very much to improve next season. That is a very good place for the organization to be.

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