The Braves have done nothing but two things this offseason — cut payroll and bolster the depths of the organization. But Alex Anthopoulos won’t be dormant for the entire winter.

The only reason I say that is the Braves literally cannot go into the season with their roster as currently constructed, with one facet clearly needing an addition. The outfield has one returning starter from a year ago in Michael Harris II. Who knows what Ronald Acuna Jr. will provide when he returns, and Jarred Kelenic was relegated to a bench role.

Even more, the Braves could use another starter with Max Fried gone and Charlie Morton potentially joining him. They could also use another high-leverage reliever, with Joe Jimenez possibly out the entire season and A.J. Minter potentially leaving in free agency.

While the Braves usually play everything close to the vest, we did get a nugget from David O’Brien of the Athletic, who said Atlanta has an interest in Tanner Scott.

“The Athletic’s Tim Britton projected a 4-year, $64M deal for FA lefty reliever Tanner Scott back in early November, and at that time MLBTR predicted 4 yrs., $56M for Scott. The way the market’s gone, I’d say Britton’s projection will be closer and still might end up a bit low,” O’Brien initially tweeted.

“Yes,” O’Brien replied to a question asking if the Braves had an interest.

Tanner Scott is arguably the top reliever left on the free agent market. He’s coming off a campaign in which he posted a 1.75 ERA across 72 innings with the Marlins and Padres. Even if his 2.92 FIP suggests that number should’ve been a little higher, his 2023 numbers should ease concerns of regression, posting a 2.31 ERA and 2.17 FIP.

The Braves could use another high-leverage reliever, and if O’Brien is correct, Tanner Scott would be an excellent solution.

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Photographer: Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire