In the world of Major League Baseball, offseason moves are just as important as in-season performance, with teams often shaping their rosters for future success through free-agent signings, trades, and internal developments. The Atlanta Braves, who enjoyed another successful season in 2023, have once again found themselves in the spotlight as they prepare for the winter months. Jim Bowden, a former general manager and now a prominent MLB analyst, recently identified the Braves’ most pressing need heading into the 2024 offseason. According to Bowden, the Braves’ biggest priority should be strengthening their starting pitching rotation, which is pivotal for their continued success in the highly competitive National League.
The Braves’ Current Roster and Performance
The Atlanta Braves finished 2023 with the best record in the National League, securing another division title in the NL East and making a deep run into the playoffs. Much of their success can be attributed to their dynamic offense, led by superstars like Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, Austin Riley, and Sean Murphy, all of whom provided consistent power and production. Additionally, the Braves’ bullpen has been effective, with key arms such as Raisel Iglesias and A.J. Minter helping to shut down opposing offenses in the late innings.
However, despite their offensive firepower and solid bullpen, the Braves’ starting rotation has been a topic of concern. While Atlanta has had some excellent performances from pitchers like Max Fried, Spencer Strider, and Bryce Elder, the team also experienced inconsistency throughout the season, particularly when it came to injuries and depth. This is where Bowden sees the biggest need: adding an impact starter to further bolster the rotation for 2024.
The Importance of Starting Pitching for the Braves
Starting pitching is arguably the most critical element in a team’s ability to succeed in the postseason, where the margins for error are razor-thin. In 2023, the Braves had a strong rotation but faced challenges when it came to health and consistency. Max Fried, a former Cy Young contender, missed a significant chunk of the season due to injuries, and while Strider emerged as a dominant force, the team needed more consistency in their starting staff to ensure they could compete at the highest level.
For a team like the Braves, who are expected to contend for a World Series title year after year, the importance of a reliable and dominant rotation cannot be overstated. While the team has a strong nucleus, adding another elite arm could be the difference between winning the division and going deep in the postseason, versus being eliminated earlier than expected.
Free-Agent Targets and Potential Moves
As the Braves look to address their pitching needs, several potential free-agent targets could help solidify the rotation. Jim Bowden suggests that the Braves might look to sign a proven starter with experience, particularly someone who can handle the pressure of pitching in high-stakes games. Names like Blake Snell, who won the 2023 NL Cy Young Award, or veteran pitchers like Jordan Montgomery, who impressed in the postseason, could be appealing options.
Additionally, trade possibilities could arise, especially with teams looking to move high-priced starters or rebuild. The Braves could explore acquiring a top-tier arm through the trade market, where the cost could be high but might ultimately provide a more immediate impact.
Depth and Injury Concerns
In addition to adding an ace, the Braves will need to ensure they have enough depth in their rotation to weather any potential injuries over the course of a long season. Depth pieces like Charlie Morton and the up-and-coming Elder can provide solid innings, but the team will need more reliable arms, especially if Fried or Strider were to miss time again in 2024. Strengthening the rotation will not only help the Braves in the regular season but also prepare them for the inevitable grind of postseason baseball.
As the Braves head into the 2024 offseason, Jim Bowden’s analysis highlights that their biggest need lies in bolstering the starting pitching rotation. With a loaded offense and a strong bullpen already in place, adding another ace-level pitcher would help make the Braves even more formidable as they aim to compete for a World Series title. Whether through free-agent signings or trade acquisitions, addressing this need will be vital for the Braves’ championship aspirations moving forward. With the right moves, the Braves could position themselves as one of the most complete teams in all of Major League Baseball for years to come.
