Overall, it was a pretty quiet first full day around the Winter Meetings. Rumors certainly picked up and their were a few transactions, but the expected flurry of moves that some expected was Juan Soto signed has not happened just yet. For the Braves specifically, Brian Snitker spoke with the media on multiple occasions, including about how he feels about various aspects of the club heading into next year. He also discussed his own future, and that while nothing is certain, he currently feels great and energized about managing the Braves,
Mark Bowman of MLB.com provided the latest on what directions the Braves could go to strengthen the team for 2025 and beyond. He states that veteran starter Nathan Eovaldi remains a target for the Braves. However, it has been reported that teams such as the Orioles have interest in Eovaldi while the Rangers would love to resign him, so there will be options for the right-hander.
As a result, Bowman also gives that opinion that resigning Charlie Morton and an outfielder such as Max Kepler may be a better use of money. Jurickson Profar was another name mentioned by Bowman, though it should be highlighted that the mentions of Kepler, Profar, and Morton seem to simply be suggestions from Bowman. Though it does not seem as if the Braves are particularly close on any one move, there are multiple ways they can make something happen rather quickly over the next few days.
Braves News
The season review series continued with veteran reliever Pierce Johnson.
Demetrius Bell looked more into Alex Anthopoulos’s recent comments on how the Braves do not view the luxury tax or other payroll restrictions as obstacles to spend where needed.
Free agents and former Braves Max Fried and AJ Minter are both popular names at the Winter meetings. Per Jon Morosi, the Braves would like to bring back Minter, but will also have competition for his services.
MLB News
While much conversation continues about where some big name free agents could sign, there also is plenty of buzz on the trade front, including the Cardinals looking to move Nolan Arenado, the Cubs potentially shopping Cody Bellinger, plenty of teams looking at Garrett Crochet and Luis Robert Jr. of the White Sox, and Brewers potentially being willing to move Devin Williams.
The Astros could be the most popular source of trade discussions as from Braves executive and current GM Dana Brown mentioned he could listen on everyone, including Kyle Tucker and Framber Valdez.
The Dodgers plan to play Mookie Betts at shortstop to start the 2025 season.
Former Braves pitcher Huascar Ynoa signed a minor league deal with the Twins, the organization he originally started his career with.
The Marlins could trade starter Jesus Luzardo.
A reported deal that would have sent Tristian Casas from the Red Sox to the Mariners for one of their young starters did not appear to be of much interest to Seattle.
Mike Tauchman signed with the White Sox.
The Phillies signed veteran reliever Jordan Romano.
Roki Sasaki was officially posted to be signed by MLB clubs, though it is expected he will officially sign in mid January.
It seems as if the Dodgers and Tesocar Hernandez continue to look to work out a deal for the free agent but remain apart in terms of money to get a deal done.
