Rival executives, insiders, and fans are expecting Braves president of operations Alex Anthopoulos to make a significant acquisition this offseason. History would tell us it will come via trade.
Chris Sale, Sean Murphy, and Matt Olson were acquired through trade in each offseason following the club’s World Series run, and the expectation is that another will come down the pike this winter.
Anthopoulos will have to work his magic again, though. The trade market isn’t robust with options, and the ones that are available will be heavily sought-after, meaning prices will be inflated, which especially impacts the Braves.
Considering the recent report that the Braves would ideally like to hang onto Hurston Waldrep, Atlanta doesn’t have the kind of farm system to pull off a Garrett Crochet-esque blockbuster deal… unless?
Unless the Braves potentially include some major league talent, which Mark Bowman floated in an article about the club’s trade candidates, specifically bringing up Ozzie Albies.
“There would also be reason to debate moving Ozzie Albies, the three-time All-Star second baseman whose contract includes a $7 million salary for 2025 and $7 million options for 2026 and ’27. That’s a good value if he remains healthy enough to bid for another 30-homer season. He’s also a strong clubhouse presence. But his arm strength has weakened his defensive value and to get a strong return you sometimes must part ways with something significant.”
Bowman isn’t the kind of guy to just throw crap against the wall to see what sticks. He certainly has a point. If the trade was for the right player, including Albies isn’t that crazy.
It would be a shocking move, nonetheless. Ozzie Albies has been a critical piece of the Braves success since 2018 and is on an extremely team-friendly contract. He’s only owed $7 million in 2025 and has club options at the same price for the following two seasons, which is absolutely a bargain, even if he has struggled to stay on the field.
All options should be on the table for Alex Anthopoulos. The Braves need a shake-up.
