MLB insider Jim Bowden released his list of offseason grades and his ranking/evaluation of the Atlanta Braves' bitter rival will leave fans scratching their heads.
It's no secret that the Braves lost some valuable pieces and didn't make a ton of splashes. Max Fried and Charlie Morton created a void at the end of the rotation. Travis d'Arnaud and Jorge Soler were reunited with Ron Washington in Anaheim while A.J. Minter landed with the dreaded Mets.
Atlanta didn't add any impact starters despite trying to acquire Garrett Crochet via trade and Jeff Hoffman via free agency. Crochet landed with Boston and Hoffman's initial five-year contract fell through due to concern over his health history.
However, the Braves seem to believe Grant Holmes and Ian Anderson can hold down the fort until Spencer Strider returns. Instead, the organization decided to build up their pitching depth with a lot of minor league deals. There are plenty of veteran arms available to construct a good bullpen around their already successful core.
The biggest free agent additions were Bryan De La Cruz, Connor Gillispie, and Jurickson Profar. De La Cruz will platoon with Kelenic until Acuna is ready to return, Gillispie was designated for assignment to make room for Profar on the roster once he was signed to a three-year, $42 million deal.
Profar recently gave everyone an injury scare during a spring training game where he jammed his wrist trying to catch a ball. Atlanta suffered through crazy injuries last season so fans are holding their breath right now.
MLB insider's offseason grade undervalues the Braves' talented roster
Bowden graded the Braves with a C overall and I do think that's a fair conclusion. They didn't do anything to put themselves over the top like the Mets and Dodgers did. However, that's because they are lucky to have a great core already and there's not a lot needed to do so long as everyone is healthy.
Yes, the rotation took a huge blow losing Fried and Morton. However, they still have an incredibly talented 1-2-3 with Chris Sale, Reynaldo Lopez, and Spencer Schwellenbach. Holmes showed promise last year and Anderson has shown what he can do when healthy. Add Strider into that mix in May and you have arguably the deepest rotation in the National League.
Spcner Schwellenbach, K'ing the Side in the 2nd. pic.twitter.com/k3RpAfpjVO
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) March 8, 2025
Where the confusion comes in is when Bowden graded the Phillies. He graded Philadelphia's offseason with a B overall. That doesn't make a whole lot of sense as Atlanta's division rival is built similarly.
They have a talented core that should provide them with plenty of offense despite them having a bit of older players on the roster. That experience only helps them. But when you look at their offseason additions, you see it's pretty similar to the Braves.
Max Kepler was added and he had a down year in 2024. They have to hope he figures things out. Reliever Jordan Romano is in a similar position. He's a high-leverage reliever for them but can he stay healthy? Joe Ross was added and he pitched fairly well for the Brewers last season in relief and as a starter.
Philly also traded for Jesus Luzardo who is hoping for a healthy season. He stopped pitching in June last season due to a back injury. Luzardo is a talented arm for the Phillies but that doesn't guarantee he will have success. He gave up three homers in a row during his second spring start against the Tigers which isn't promising. But we all know that spring stats don't matter as much as the regular season.
Bowden surprisingly stated that Luzardo's addition gave the Phillies the "division's best and deepest rotation."
No doubt the Phillies have a talented rotation that is heavy on lefties. However, calling them the best and deepest rotation doesn't feel all that accurate. Their rotation is set to include Zach Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Christopher Sanchez, Ranger Suarez, and Luzardo. Ross is an option but seems like he may be a long relief option.
It's a good rotation but they aren't wildly better than the Braves. Atlanta had the best starter ERA in the NL last season at 3.58 while the Phillies were at 3.81 in 2024. Yes, Morton and Fried are gone but three pitchers who had incredible seasons remain.
The Phillies may have a leg up until Strider returns to the rotation, but they do not have the deepest and best rotation in the division. Atlanta has just as good of a rotation and will have something to say about that.