We have almost made it, Atlanta Braves fans. We are entering the final weekend of the offseason as pitchers and catchers are set to report to spring training on Monday with the position players having to report on February 16th. Starting Monday, we should start getting actual baseball news about how players are looking and feeling coming out of the offseason. It is safe to say that we are excited about the prospect of actual baseball things happening.
If you were thinking about heading down to North Port to watch some spring training games or just want to know when spring training games start, we put together a spring training primer a couple of weeks ago to help you out.
More Braves News
While the news that Ronald Acuna Jr. was going to be playing for Team Venezuela was exciting on its own, we did get word late in the work week that the Braves' organization was going to have several players suiting up for the World Baseball Classic. Eddie Rosario is going to be playing for Team Puerto Rico, several minor leaguers have appeared on various rosters, and a couple of former Braves, Brian McCann and Mark DeRosa, will be coaching Team USA.
MLB News
Elsewhere in the league, the Astros decided to pull the trigger and sign Cristian Javier to an extension through at least the 2027 season. The deal is worth a reported $64 million and essentially locks in his first three years of arbitration and delays his free agency for a couple of years. Javier was excellent for Houston once he was moved back into the rotation last year including being part of two combined no-hitters (including one in the World Series which seems like a good time to throw one).
Meanwhile, the Dodgers added some more depth as they signed outfielder David Peralta to a one year deal. It wasn't that long ago that Peralta was a favorite trade target amongst Braves fans, but it is worth noting that he struggled after being traded to the Rays at the trade deadline.