Offseason planning is underway for the Braves, whom the Cardinals routed, 13-1, in Game 5 of the teams’ NLDS matchup Wednesday. One of the most important questions now facing the Braves is whether they’ll be able to re-sign standout third baseman Josh Donaldson. The soon-to-be 34-year-old is weeks from returning to free agency after posting an excellent bounce-back season in Atlanta, which inked him to a $23MM guarantee last winter.
During the Braves’ NL East-winning regular season, both general manager Alex Anthopoulos and and Donaldson expressed an openness to keeping their union alive beyond this year. Anthopoulos again spoke on Donaldson’s future Thursday, telling reporters (including Gabe Burns of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and David O’Brien of The Athletic) that talks on a new deal haven’t begun yet. However, Anthopoulos is of the belief that “we positioned ourselves, if all things are equal from a contractual standpoint – I haven’t had this discussion with him or his agent – but I believe this would be where he wants to be. I know he enjoyed it here.”
Of course, whether all things will end up being equal from a contractual standpoint is far from a given. Anthopolous noted that “it’s just too hard” to handicap the Braves’ chances of retaining Donaldson, as he’s set to venture back to the market as one of the elite position players available. Donaldson surely won’t get there without first receiving an ~$18MM qualifying offer from the Braves, which won’t do his market any favors. His age and the fact that injuries have hampered him in the past (including from 2017-18) will also work against him.
On the other hand, Donaldson’s a former AL MVP who remains a star. And if he was able to score a lofty $23MM salary last year off his worst season in recent memory, it stands to reason he’ll do even better this time after a return to form. Donaldson slashed .259/.379/.521 with 37 home runs and 4.9 fWAR in 659 plate appearances this season, thereby making a case for a two- to three-year contract worth in the range of $23MM per annum. That would be a substantial and risky commitment, of course, though Donaldson should draw plenty of interest from third base-needy teams that can’t or won’t go to what could be $200MM-plus lengths for Nationals pending free agent Anthony Rendon.
If the Braves don’t end up with Donaldson, Rendon or any other starting-caliber option, they could theoretically plug Austin Riley in at the hot corner next season. The 22-year-old Riley’s a natural third baseman who, thanks to Donaldson’s presence, spent his first major league season in the outfield. Riley, one of the game’s highest-ranked prospects when the Braves promoted him in mid-May, began his career with a flourish. But his offensive bubble burst as the year progressed, leaving him a .226/.279/.471 hitter with a bloated 36.4 percent strikeout rate in his first 297 trips to the plate. The Braves kept Riley off their NLDS roster, and they’re not heading into the offseason with the belief that he’s a slam dunk to start anywhere next year.
“As we sit here today, do I see us cementing him and giving him a position going into next year, where the job is his, whether it’s outfield or third base? Unlikely at this point,” said Anthopoulos. “That being said, do we believe in him long term? Absolutely.”
Anthopoulos went on to note that Riley still has minor league options, giving the team the ability to send him down if he doesn’t win a job in the spring. Even if Atlanta re-signs Donaldson to continue handling third, the club’s unwillingness to guarantee Riley a spot could have an effect on its offseason outfield plans.
Aside from the all-world Ronald Acuna Jr., the Braves are currently lacking high-impact options in the grass. Stud prospects Cristian Pache and Drew Waters are getting closer to the bigs, though, which could persuade Atlanta against a big-ticket acquisition. Regardless, the Braves will have to decide whether to exercise right fielder Nick Markakis‘ $6MM option or buy him out for $2MM after he underwhelmed in 2019. Billy Hamilton looks like a $1MM buyout waiting to happen, as the Braves won’t want to pay him $7.5MM. Ender Inciarte still has two guaranteed years left on his contract, and he’ll earn an affordable $7MM in 2020, though he’s coming off an injury-plagued campaign. Meanwhile, the 31-year-old Adam Duvall‘s projected to make a not-insignificant $3.8MM in ’20 despite having spent most of the season in the minors.
The Braves haven’t won a playoff series in 18 years, a streak they’ll hope to be in position to break next fall. Until then, Anthopoulos’ goal is to “get better in all areas — offense, defense, bullpen, rotation — and we plan on doing that. We just don’t know how the offseason … what opportunities will present themselves.”
Sign Madbum and Grandal
There are a fare number of no.3 pitchers on the market. Why MadBum?
He’s from the area, postseason excellence.
He isnt the same pitcher he used to be. There is no reason to believe that hasnt changed too. He might be a home town guy but teams are still going to pay for his name.
His peripherals say he is not the same guy we all know & understand that. With that being said Soroka, Fried & Touki all make peanuts for the foreseeable future.
Folty will be hitting 2nd year of arb and Anderson will be on his way soon. In other words the rotation is not making any money so his leadership for this staff deserves an overpay. You would be paying him like your number 1 but you would be paying your number 1 (Soroka) like your number 5. The question comes down to years and I see no problem going 5 in order to get him. Front load the contract while the young guys are cheap and then as they are making money his is lessening. His leadership for these young kids would be invaluable.
Next as much as I hate to say it let Donaldson walk. He will require to many years. I wouldn’t mind overpaying for a 3 year deal but if he starts venturing into 4 year plus than you got to stay away.
But I wouldn’t just hand over the 3B job to Riley. I would let Camargo & Riley battle it out in spring. I believe Camargo’s struggles came from not playing everyday.
Need a veteran catcher and this is where I would like to see some money spent. Grandal proved his value for the Brewers this year but I think he priced himself out of Atlanta’s range. Not so much $$$ but again years.
My want involves swinging a deal with the Giants for Buster. I know he is not worth the money offensively what he is being paid but he would not be here to carry the load offensively like he is expected to in San Fran now. For the Braves he would be a 7 th place hitter in the line up and again a catalyst for the young staff.I understand he is a San Francisco icon but fact of the matter is the Giants got to move some salary somewhere so the more we eat the less we got to give back so I say eat the whole thing. By the time his contract is up Contreras should be ready without having to have rushed him. Posey is from Brave country so the Giants can sell it as giving him the chance to chase another ring with his childhood team instead of having to sit thru a rebuild in the twilight of his career. And this move can get them some much needed young pitching to go with Bart, Ramos etc. My back up would be Alex Jackson. And I would bring back Cervelli and carry 3 catchers with Cervelli giving time at 1B to give Freddie some days off this year.
Keep Markakis because his contract timeline correlates with Pache or Waters arrival. Keep Inciarte and Duvall and let Charlie get some burn out there in a rotational style set up and hopefully by mid season one of Pache/Waters will be ready.
Last up I want to see Wilson moved to the bullpen and given the 7th inning role. I see a future closer in this kid. And let him move into Martin’s spot with Greene and Melancon coming back. I would like to see Them get Iglesias from the Reds for the closer.
Hold up, you’re willing to do to 5 years to sign Madison Bumgarner, when you’re letting Donaldson walk because, in your mind, he wants too many?! I don’t understand the logic in that at all. This is the first time in three years that Bum’s pitched more than 200 innings, and there were some red flags. One of these seasons he’s going to drop off a cliff, swiftly. Are you really banking it won’t be some point in the next FIVE years?
Meanwhile, Donaldson posted a monster season for the Braves. He’s so important to the middle of that order, and the make up of the team. He’s likely only a 2-3 season commitment. There’s every reason to resign him. Also, Riley and Camargo aren’t viable options as full-time 3B on a contending team. Riley’s unproven, with a ton of swing and miss in his game. Camargo’s a nice utility player who’s oddly over-valued by some.
Also Posey and Cervelli as your Catchers? Your medical trainer would like to let you know, “He quits.”
And no…. just no, not another year of Markakis as a FT OF option.
A number three…name 50 pitchers you would rather have than him.
By year 5 you are not relying on MadBum to be even a 3. By then Soroka, Fried, Anderson & Wright we are hoping all pass his production up.
What I am saying is his leadership and bulldog mentality would be huge to these kids. Sometimes money to numbers is not the tell all be all.
Also I put Alex Jackson in the mix at catcher too. Cervelli would be more of a pinch hitter and backup to 1B possibly getting time if one of Buster or Jackson gets hurt.
Fact of the matter is a number 1 starter is more important than Donaldson st this point. Now like I said if Donaldson is willing to go 3 yrs with a high yearly avg over looking for a 4 or 5 year deal than I would be all for his return.
Matt Kemp was huge for the lineup then injuries and age caught up with him so you sayin that won’t happen with Donaldson ???
Camargo was absolutely fine there year before last and a bigger focus should have been gettin a big RH bat to play the OF and not 3rd.
Taking the surplus value from players like Folty and Soroka and putting it into an overpay for MadBum is nust bad bussiness. Take that value and place it in somewhere you need it. The Braves dont have to overpay MadBum to get team leadership.
How is that bad for business ???
Yea, Wainwrighf isn’t the same guy he use to be, and look how that played in the NLDS.
Geez! Let’s write a novel on nothing!
How many 3’s on the market have his big game mentality and his mental fortitude on the mound ???
That is a quality these young kids can learn from and you can’t put a price on that. You pay for his production you overpay for his leadership.
It is honestly depressing people are trying to stray away from Bumgarner. He is a perfect fit for the team. He is exactly what they lack, and yet people still prefer some pitcher who is clearly inferior to him. Other than Cole, Bumgarner is the best pitcher available. Wheeler is not better and the Braves should stay away.
Wheeler is significantly better.
He is not and regardless, I don’t care. Let another team overpay for him.
Agreed that Wheeler is better!
Wheeler throws harder…he’s not better. And how does his medicals not scare you off? MadBum and Wheeler are the same age…how is this even a question? Reports of Verlander and Hamrls demise were greatly exaggerated also. Give Madison a better defense and a change of scenery. He’ll be great.
BumgarnerequalsNLCS… Coming from you that hilarious… you want a playoff roster gutted cause you couldn’t handle the loss the other night. Go find another team to root for, us Braves fans don’t want you.
Dude, look at Wheeler’s peripherals. He’s going to be an absolute MONSTER when he gets away from that dysfunctional organization. And gets a defense where guys actually have positions.
The Mets heard about positionless basketball and started trying first and second basemen in the outfield. Positionless baseball! Hilarious!!
We’ve been waiting for Wheeler to become an absolute monster. For a few years actually. Seems he’s no DeGrom or even Syndergaard, off-year included for Noah. Wheeler is talented. Monster he is not.
Haha apparently this dude has never seen Bumgarner pitch in October. 2 WC complete game shutouts. WS 36ip, 1er. Last time I looked, no #3 or ace is capable of anything close to that.
Bumgarner is still solid, but those numbers aren’t getting replicated in the future. Not the same guy.
Love the idea of Grandal
The Braves are at a point to where they need to win in the playoffs and need to quit having “professionals” who eat a chunk of money but don’t produce in the playoffs like Markakis, Teheran or just can’t produce to be on the field in the playoffs like Flowers. They will have between 55 and 60 million coming off the books and they need to get an Ace and not rely on a mentally fragile player like Folty in game 5. And really they need a better decision maker because how in the hell does Soroka only make 1 start in the NLDS.
I understand what your saying but to be fair Folty should have never been put in that position to have to pitch game 5. It is no secret that pressure is Folty’s biggest downfall.
Bumgarner is 101% the #1 priority. Get him, plug him in as your #1 and go from there. As much as he has unfortunately regressed, I have more confidence in him over anybody else in the rotation that is and could be in the rotation in the future. I want to see more of Soroka before I label him as an ace. You just absolutely can not go into 2020 with the same questionable rotation.
After Bumgarner, they should decide whether JD is worth the investment or not. Clear the air as soon as you can and then go from there. No reason for this to drag on.
Knowing the Braves lack of care about winning, they will waste money on Teheran again only to clearly show little trust in the guy when the postseason comes.
I think the decision on Nick Markakis is going to be the most interesting going forward. I wouldn’t be totally against bringing him back, but I won’t complain if they don’t. I, however, do not want to see Pache and Waters in the same outfield next year.
Is that you X_a_i_b_i_a_l?
No
No this is the sky is falling 24/7 Braves fan that hates everything about the Braves. All his posts sounds exactly like AllOurGods
I have no idea why he even considers himself a Braves fan.
he is not a #1 and should not be the main priority for a team that has plenty of SP depth. they don’t need a #1, and if they are paying MadBum like one than they are overpaying. bullpen and OF are bigger needs.
The Braves are too cheap to spend on a bonafide ace even though they kept promising big moves when they are ready to spend. Bumgarner is the second-best option available with a postseason pedigree. He is a #1 on the Braves. Give him the ball in game 1, game 5, or game 7 and I have all the confidence in the world he will succeed. At least more than the others including Soroka (albeit i like Soroka).
Your argument that the Braves have depth in precisely the reason they have failed every year in the playoffs, most notably the last 2 years. All their current pitching in the minors is failing and not reliable. You can’t head into next year after this disaster with a rotation consisting of Wright or Anderson, along with Fried and Faulty in it. It is not a good rotation and will guarantee another early exit or most likely 4th place finish. Don’t get me started if Teheran is still in it too.
You are a Phillies fan. You should know by now pitching prospects are overrated. You have a bunch of em excluding Nola.
I feel like I say the same thing every year, every year people say I’m wrong about the rotation, and yet every year they keep failing.
OF isn’t much of a need for the Braves. They’ll pick up Markakis’ option, Ender has no value on the trade market so he’ll be back. If they resign JD, then Riley will remain in the OF or be traded. The Braves top 2 position prospects are both outfielders and they both finished this year in AAA.
Bullpen is a need but Anthopolous already stated last offseason that he doesn’t like giving multi-year deals to FA relievers so it wouldn’t surprise me to see the Braves not do anything big. Smaller moves like resigning O’Day to a 1 year deal will probably be more likely.
They will need a veteran SP, but most likely a back of the rotation type to replace Teheran. I’m betting it’ll be someone coming off a bad year looking to reestablish value. Alex Wood would make some sense.
Looking through the available bullpen arms is like picking your poison. Relievers carry a much bigger risk than proven starters and are never worth a large investment.
O’Day should be resigned and so should Martin. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if Martin’s sudden injury still leaves a bad taste in their mouths and they decide to move on. Then again, out of principle, they will resign him to leviate the Allard trade.
Jackson and Swarzak need to go.
And please bring back Tomlin!
Kuechel started game 1 & 4. He is not signed for next year.
I would love to see the Braves sign an exceptionally good pitcher and see some of their own talent grow. Soroka and Folty has the chance to be a good 1-2 punch, evidenced by Folty’s 2018 and 2019 second-half tear he was on even if the Braves don’t sign a #1 pitcher. . (Just unfortunate about NLDS G5 though)
Personally, I don’t see anything wrong with signing Tehran again as a #4 or #5 in the rotation.
Another issue to consider is SunTrust Park has become a heavily hitters field (CO’s Field 2.0), so it’ll be hard to lure a pitcher as well, unless the Braves put in a high investment in the pitcher.
Folty is not good. How many postseason disasters or how many in season inconsistencies does he need to have before people get it through their heads? He is inconsistent, unreliable, and just not a top pitcher. He should be the closer of the team and that is final. If not, get rid of him. I’m sick and tired of giving the same guys opportunities and watch them squander them. “There is always next year” is quite synonymous with the Braves. There is always next year to lose another NLDS because you don’t address the root problem with the team.
^^^This is hilarious^^^ You think a pitcher that you yourself labeled as “Disasters, Inconsistent, and Unreliable” … Should be the teams CLOSER ??? “Mentally fragile” … “It is no secret that pressure is Folty’s biggest downfall.” Just a few other things people have said about him in this thread…Seriously ?
Yes, he is a disaster, inconsistent, and unreliable as a starter. He does not have the fortitude to go through multiple innings facing the same guys 3 times. He has good stuff. He has closer stuff (at least I believe he does). It will not hurt to give it a try. It is not like they will go after a closer this offseason. They will likely go with Greene and Melancon again. Give Faulty a run as well.
With that being said, the Braves will not do it because they are still delusional and still think he can be an ace. Not like the last few years proved he is not a good starting pitcher.
No absolutely not keep him as far away from the closers role as possible. He doesn’t have the head for the bullpen.
He is clearly somebody that could use the help of seeing MadBum’s mental makeup first hand and learn from him.
He was thrust into the pressure of being a TOR arm before he was ready and he obviously cracks under that pressure.
Million $$$ arm with a $5 heart.
Not about him being an ACE
He was dominate since he came back up from AAA. He was forced to be a leader of a staff and he wasn’t ready or he just may not be that guy. Everybody knew he wasn’t built for game 5. He dominated game 2 for a reason. There was no pressure in game 2. It wasn’t win or go home. I said from the beginning he should have pitched Game 1. That was the least pressure spot with Soroka going Game 2. Those home/away splits for Soroka were not the tell all be all to his season. He was the ACE.
But whatever it’s over now and hopefully Dallas Keuchel will be as far away next year as possible from Atlanta.
Everybody is getting on Folty but that meltdown was a team meltdown. Strike 3’s dropped, double plays dropped etc.
Keuchel your game 1 pitcher pitches 2 games and only 8 innings in 2 of the losses he is a bum.
Start game one? You do remember he did start game 1 against the Dodgers and faltered. He is simply not to be trusted at all as a starter.
Bumgarner is younger and better than Dallas Kuechel. Choosing to pay the man is another story.
Donaldson receiving a QO is a no-brainer. If they lose him and play Riley at 3B they will take a step backward defensively. Braves will need at least 1 more bat.
Russell Martin might be asked to be the backup catcher. Just a hunch.
If they sign Martin, you can go ahead and figure they’ve decided to tank on the yr. He’s abysmal.
I don’t disagree with you. It would be a typical Anthopoulos move. I bet he and Martin’s agent will be talking.
Who really cares? Is that all you got out of the statement? Are you a teacher?
JD is quality but the braves have a budget that Anthopoulous is going to stick too. If Jd will give The Braves a discount he might stay. But otherwise he likely walks….
That Anthopoulos *has to stick to.
And we already know Alex doesn’t like being told what to do a la his departure from Toronto.
Could Markakis play 2nd for someone and learn the position? His numbers would look much better there.
So you want a lefty to play 2nd base?
I read that as sarcasm considering markakis light hitting in comparison to corner outfielders. I really hope it was sarcasm.
Absolutely not. He’s left-handed, just for starters
It’d be wildly entertaining to watch him try though, so long as it ain’t in a Braves uni!
I see Josh going back….he had 1 good season over his injury years so his market could be limited per money. If he wants a home then the braves is the way to go. 4 yrs & 90 mill with a 2 yr opt out.
Huge overpay
Seriously. The guy only hit .260 all year and his production came mainly from home runs (whose hasn’t this year in general). His postseason run this season is a foreshadowing of his future. There is already proof MLB switched the baseballs around in the postseason and the results show. He is aging and more likely to decline fast. Give him a 2-year max and when he says he wants more money, let him walk. He does not care about your Braves as much as you think. He will go where the money is. That is who he is and that is what he plays for.
Where is this proof about the baseballs being switched coming from? Proof please.
Braves wasted a great opportunity this season and as much as I hate to say it; freeman, donaldson, and snitker didn’t live up to their jobs one bit. Rendon carried his team, we just needed one of our veteran stars to come through for the team and instead layed eggs each and every time.
The pain is still too real to think or talk about another disappointing offseason to come. Resign donaldson, definitely need another ace, and catcher needs to be addressed, sick of platooning and no consistency at the plate, enough is enough.
Kolby allard trade still irks me esp after this postseason, haunted.
In the 2018 playoffs markakis let two balls drop near the foul line. Those were balls he dove for in regular season play. In the playoffs going into free agency he was taking no chances on getting hurt and having to take a cheaper deal as the result. That should tell you all you need to know on his priorities.
Baseball prospectus has an article up detailing the difference between regular season baseballs and post season baseballs.
Braves lost that series with 3,4,5 & 6 hitters. Plain & simple.
4 years for a 34 year old? No. Just NO.
I’d go 3 years for 75 million, with a sliding salary scale.
2020- 30 million
2021- 25 million
2022- 20 million
His bat is going to age fine. Production is production, and I don’t really care about his batting average. Am I a tad concerned about his ability to play 3B come 2022? Sure. That’s why I’d front-load the contract though, so he’d hold value as a trade option to an AL club in need of a DH.
My thoughts exactly. As long as his legs stay healthy, the bat will be there
I am actually ok with that contract offer and would even be willing to do a $20 million option with a $5 million buy out to keep him. If that’s what it takes.
Donaldson isn’t worth 90 million to the Braves. At least I hope they don’t pay him that. 3 yrs. 60-70 million.maybe. It’s not like the Braves don’t have different options at 3 rd. Riley showed he can be a 35-40 HR. guy in a full season.
They don’t mention Tehran in this article, but they very well could buy him out also, right? Really expensive for his performance.
I said it last offseason and I’m gonna say it this offseason. We must lock down that bullpen. Yes it looks improved, but Martin will he gone, o’day also, and we flat can not go into next season where luke Jackson is one of our top guys. In fact, I’d argue we need to get rid of him simply because the braves like to use him too much. I think we got the best season out of him that we will ever get… so time to flip him for whatever. But bullpen is #1 focus, #2 bringing back Donaldson, #3 locking up a legit starting pitcher possibly 2. I say let the outfield unfold with Riley, Pache, Waters filling the non-acuna spots. If possible, trade Ender but him coming back doesn’t bother me. Got to let markakis go most likely though… and catching, keep flowers (which sucks) and grab someone decent off the market like we have been doing. But I don’t mind Alex Jackson coming up as a backup. Maybe WC can make the jump already… but I don’t think we need to invest heavily in a catcher. Lot in the farm I expect one to pan out good enough
I’m with you. They need some guys with more swing and miss stuff out of the pen for the playoffs. You can’t pitch to contact in October because, as the Cardinal series proved, eventually something’s going to fall.
The question is how much AA will actually have to spend this off season. Sure there’s potentially over 50k coming off the books but arb players, potential options, and a full season of Melancon’s salary, which is 14k, may make it harder to add any big name players or retain JD. Riley has always fought through struggles after a promotion so he will provide offense soon. Anything longer than a one year deal for JD just doesn’t make sense due to all the reasons others have posted, including the rise of Waters and Pache.
Catcher will be a huge hole to fill. I’m not sure retaining Flowers is an option. Framing skills are still strong but other defensive metrics and lack of offense points to him in another uniform next season. Closer is another need. Melancon isn’t the answer and Greene won’t be given an opportunity. I can see the option on Markakis being picked up due to the relatively low cost and a right handed OF bat picked up for a year.
Let’s not forget Freeman’s contract only has two years remaining so an extension will probably come soon.
Last I’m still in shock as to the pitching rotation in the playoffs and why you burn Fried three games in a row out of the pen eliminating him as an option for a game 4 start.. Lots of head scratching and lots of runners LOB equals another disappointing seasons end for Braves fans.
K means thousands not millions
Would braves consider trading for Bryant from the cubs? Would a young ML starter and maybe a few higher up P prospects be too much? He seems like a good fit – would replace Donaldson at 3B or if the resign Donaldson they can put KB in LF.. Acuna , ,Bryant Freeman and Donaldson is not too shabby as far as 1-4 batters g.
The Cubs definitely would be asking way more than that, even if they would be willing to trade Bryant.
I think he stays with the Braves. It’s probable he even accepts the QO. I don’t see any team making a huge offer at his age and with a draft pick attached.
No way he accepts the QO
Riley…is he a future cornerstone at 3rd or is he still fighting for an everyday lineup spot somewhere in the Braves field?
So trade him. But he is not traded unless it’s a serious blockbuster star return, which Anthopoulos is known for trying (good or bad) and likely isnt going to happen based on the disappointing year Riley had.
So keep him and give him the everyday role he’s designed for that Donaldson currently holds. (Funny one of AAs best moves was acquiring JD)
Either way, Donaldson’s days as a Brave seem done unless he just accepts the QO which maybe AA deserves as a thank you after going out of his way to take care of his guy at the start of last year’s free agency. Wheres the links to the old mlbtr posts nay saying the signing when it happened?!?! 🙂
Donaldson already “thanked” Anthopolous for taking care of him last offseason 37 times this past season. The Braves got a 6 WAR player for 23 million, which was a great value. Harper only posted 4 WAR, and Machado 3 WAR; and look at what they made.
I’d also argue you don’t “give” Riley anything. He struck out in roughly 1/3rd of his ABs. That’s not going to cut it on a contender. If you hand him the hot corner you immediately go from a chance to finish 1st in the division to a place where you’re fighting the Mets for 2nd. I’m not sure they even make the playoffs under that scenario unless you add Cole to the rotation?
The Braves…err…Alex…jumped way out of his way and took the leap of faith on JD and it paid off large. Give the man his credit. But at the time it was viewed as “surprising” by the pundits unless my memory defeats me. No risk no reward and they were rewarded handsomely.
As for Riley. His fielding is strong enough for 3B. Especially if they actually let him play the position he has played and is likely best for.
And, you wonder why his bat dropped off so much?? Maybe it’s because hes being moved to the COF where that transition and focus on adapting takes away some time from the batting cage.
I cant understand how this guy is being overlooked as the future at third base when he hasnt been given any real opportunity to go out and get it for himself. Donaldson is effectively blocking his chance at reaching the potential he was drafted for…
Run the numbers again. Riley’s defense at 3B is not strong enough. Team would be better off with Riley in LF.
Thanks for the analytical analysis. He’s 22. And he’s just had a ton of time learning from JD. No doubt he needs to continue to improve but the simple nerd statistical answer cant always be THE answer. He hasnt gotten everyday reps in the field and you are already dropping him to LF. It’s called potential for a reason. Give him a little more time to develop maybe?
Braves are in win-now mode. They need ready-now players and not an errors machine at 3B which is what Riley has been. Not to mention the errors not counted because of soft scorekeeping in today’s era. Considering you are a Jays fan and barely watch Jays games to know much, your analysis of Riley is laughable and completely off the mark.
If the Braves were reloading or rebuilding, having Riley at 3B to grow would be an excellent idea.
Braves need Cole. NOT Rendon. Not JD. Why? Because Riley Costs pennies and has IMO not reached his potential. Camargo got similar knee jerk reaction treatment however in that instance it makes more sense. Braves aren’t spending $175m so stop underappreciating the upside of Riley at 3rd.
The upside of Riley at 3B? Fine, put .931 fielding % at 3B. You still need a LF and Markakis isn’t going to cut it unless the Braves get rid of Inciarte. So now you need to spend that money you thought you’d save for a starting pitcher on an OF, whether it’s through free agency or trade. You could roll the dice and have Camargo and Riley fill those spots. Or option two is offer Donaldson the QO, then counter with a 2-yr plus team option if he turns it down. Then you get pitching.
Put Riley at 3B and you still need an OF bat. That costs money. This isn’t “underappreciating”, it’s call reality.
Cole is not coming to Atlanta
MadBum is a realistic possibility.
I just don’t understand why ppl would scream out Cole first the Braves are not giving out $200 million and second the dude is a West Coast kid
To me it’s Padres, Angels with the Dodgers a surprise possibility. With Astros resigning him a very distant 4th.
To many 3B needy teams for JD to accept anything less than 3 yrs.
cards, Mets, Wash, Texas, Braves & Angels may all be fighting over JD & Rendon.
Too much competition. Camargo & Riley Duke it out in spring training and go get an OF.
I myself would like a Hanigar but I could see maybe a package of Archie Bradley and Peralta or how bout Castellanos as a free agent. I know his defense is terrible but just bout every other position on the team would be average to above average defensively.
Harper made $11.5MM in 2019 — I get your point, but just sayin’.
Unless you replace his bat with a RH hitting OF
I thought guys could only be offered the qualifying offer one time now? Wasnt he offered it last year?
Traded to the Tribe instead…most certainly doing him 2 favors: 1. Go to a contender and 2. Making him more appealing when he hit FA. No chance he was sticking with Toronto long term.
Adding…by trading him Cleveland couldn’t offer him the QO. 🙂
Just an all around important offseason for the Braves. That fun loving, youthful innocence around this club got taken away in the first inning on Wednesday. Front office will have to be honest about what their needs are. Right now I see 2-3 holes in the starting lineup, two spots in the rotation, and the regular needs of making up a bench, bullpen, and depth. 2018 was fun because we didn’t expect to be there. 2019 was fun to prove the doubters wrong. If they don’t load up for 2020, we’ll have a good idea how this iteration of Braves baseball will ultimately play out.
Not crazy about a Donaldson return, but for reasonable money & time – maybe. Let Keuchel & Teheran go, sign a catcher, hope for a full season from Ender, a healthy – & better used- Carmago, and add a SP.. Keep dependable – and affordable – pen players , but please, no more Minter. Also hold on to Riley & Duval & let them rise to the best level they can.
“Regardless, the Braves will have to decide whether to exercise right fielder Nick Markakis’ $6MM option or buy him out for $2MM after he underwhelmed in 2019.”
–
LOL
According to MLBTR’s writers, Markakis “underwhelmed” the Orioles, was a bad signing by the Braves, and now has “underwhelmed” the Braves.
Everyone in that clubhouse – starting with the Manager – as will as those that cover and follow the team know full well how important Markakis has been to the Braves successful rebuild, as well as winning more games each year.
Donaldson should get $23m, but Markakis is not worth $6m? Seriously?
Kakes was a 0.8 WAR in 2019, so you could say he earned about what he made, but yes, he was underwhelming. Knowing they were considering Michael Brantley but were scared off by his nominal price tag combined with his injury history, this makes me sad.
yes the Braves considered Brantley but did Brantley consider the Braves ???
Not everybody is just attainable because a team needs/wants a guy. It takes 2 to tango the player gotta want to be somewhere too
There can be a separation between a guy being signed to a bad contract, and a guy being a bad signing. As RunDMC said, Markakis produced enough to warrant his money; so he doesn’t have a bad contract. If you’re the Royals, or Marlins, or any other rebuilding club you want to insert- that’s also not a bad signing. The thing is for a contender, like Atlanta, you really should be aiming higher than replacement level production for a COF they often hit 5th- so yeah, it’s a bad signing.
Just do whatever, I don’t care. They’ll be here next year. They’ll fail. People will point and laugh at them and we’ll all move on.
I felt this…
I think ATL should not sign Julian Teheran or any of the older veterans. ATL is the logical landing point for a Mookie Betts trade. Otherwise. ALT could fill vacancies from their own system:
3B) Austin Riley or Riley Unroe. I prefer to see Unroe. He’s a better defender. I also believe OF Drew Waters is ready for MLB. ATL needs a veteran catcher. Alex Jackson could be used as primary back up. He’s got to be a better alternative to John Ryan Murphy.
Julian Teheran and Dallas Keuchel are too pricey for their inconsistency. Still, ATL needs SPs and should look at the FA market. With any luck, perhaps SP-L Phil Pfeifer and RP-R Jeremy Walker can be a 2020 version of Mike Soroka and Jacob Webb
There’s nothing logical about trading what prospects you have left while being barred from international signings and good enough not to have a key draft spot, for 1 year of a guy that has said he wants to go year-to-year.
I imagine you meant picking up Teheran’s option, which is almost a given at this point. $12M for a guy you don’t include on the first draft of your postseason roster? That rotation spot is too valuable to someone like Wilson/Touki/Ian Anderson (!!!) to pay for an innings eater with questionable upside.
Braves need to ship off one of their starters for a young, lights out bullpen arm. No more Jackson ever. Call TB about Pham, he’s about to get a little pricey…maybe a package trade with one of their BP guys for Newk/Wright/Touki or anybody not named Ian Anderson. Trade Teheran or buy him out. Buy out Markakis. Let DK walk, non tender Duval. But most important is to bring back Donaldson. 3/75 with a vesting or team option is reasonable. Add Bumgarner and you’ve got a good squad. Probably better than this years. Get a guy like Lucroy or D’arnaud to fill in for a year until Shea or Contreras is ready.
1) Acuna
2) Oz
3) FF
4) JD
5) Pham
6) Dansby
7) Lucroy
8) Ender
1) Soroka
2) Bumgarner
3) Folty
4) Fried
5) Open for competition
The Braves DO-NOT need an outfielder.
Just my 2 cents worth but:
1) try to get Donaldson for 3 yr 70 mil
2) Make Riley earn whatever spot he plays
3) Get Grandal, period.
4) Goodbye Julio, Jackson, Minter
5) keep Duvall, Camargo, Ender, Charlie for a strong bench
6) get a solid reliever and mid rotation starter
say “get a solid reliever” 3x in the mirror in your bathroom with the lights out and you’ll be close
Duvall is due something like $4MM, right? Renegotiate.
I wouldn’t give up on Minter. He’s cheap with a great arm and minor options. Give him some time to work things out, until he’s out of options. Drill into him that he’s not a closer, but can be a great situational RP. No sense getting rid of him when there are no replacements.
Literally anyone is a better option than Minter. He absolutely sucks. All he can throw is a batting practice cutter.
Anybody saying get rid of a Minter does not know baseball. For whatever reason it it takes longer for lefties to develop. You don’t give up on an arm like that. He should have never been rushed.
Kranitz didn’t even have a full offseason with this staff last year due to when they finally got him.
Phillie pitchers raced about him and his track record for pitchers their 2nd year of development with him is pretty interesting.
Soroka could hopefully be his next Aaron Nola.
You want to acquire a middle rotation arm? Awesome! I have one for you; Julio Teheran.
Julio’s shown all he has to offer. I’m talking a guy like Odorizzi.
Right. He has shown he is a middle rotation guy which os exactly what you want to let go of just to acquire another.
Rather have Julio than Ordorizzi
Keep Julio around as a 5th starter until Anderson is ready otherwise give Wright or Touki a chance. No reason to have to go out and pay for mediocrity when you already have it. Julio has spurts where he pitches well. Only rotation piece we need is MadBum
Soroka
MadBum
Folty
Fried
Julio
With Wright bouncing back & forth between Atlanta & Gwinnett
Hopefully by Sept Anderson will be ready for a bullpen role down the stretch and step into the 5 spot the following year.
Bullpen is more pressing need and I believe Snitker has 2 shutdown RP options right under his nose in Bryce Wilson & Touki
Touki to me screams Ramiro Mendoza a guy who will eventually be able to pitch 100 innings out of the bullpen
Wilson could be the future closer
Throw in Newk and Minter as lefty set up men and I think Atlanta has the potential to have a dominant bullpen in the coming years.
Guys just have to develop into their roles.
Keep Greene for the 8th & Melancon in the 9th and let guys develop in the middle innings.
The Braves have got to deal with the bullpen. That has to be first priority.
Giles for peanuts…
Who hangs up first
Max Fried for Mitch Hanigar
Fried lol
You’ll have to forgive coldbeer. He apparently had a few to many and forgot how to look up stats because after the 2019 season their values are a lot closer. Still, I would say the Mariners hang up first.
They need to fire Snitker’s A$$! He is the most incompetent manager. Need to get away from the Bobby Cox coaching tree
I would go after Joe Giradi , no nonsense and solid in game manager. maybe even Mike Socia.
Atlanta and Boston can help each other greatly this offseason. Boston needs to shed payroll, they really need money freed up for upcoming extension offers. My suggestion is ATL offers to take one of the 30m a year pitchers off their hands, preferably Sale over Price. As always, more prospects equal more salary paid down but i say something far fetched like Teheran + one of the OF prospects + pitching prospect or two. Boston can have Teheran eat innings or cut him for more savings. Boston gets cash off the books and Atlanta gets a TOR arm. Pieces are adjustable but they need to use those trade chips eventually. The less they spend on that starter, the more they have to go 3/75 to Donaldson.
I thought about this earlier but we’re in such a good place with payroll right now. The only “bad” contract we have is Melancon and he at least produced a serviceable season. Boston would need to add in alot of money and prospects.
This is simple guys, three moves that’ll get us into the WS but none will happen. We’ve seen this picture before, we wasted our last generation of Maddox, Glavine Smoltz, Chipper, etc etc by going cheap. The same thing will happen to this one if we don’t spend money. So, fire Snit he’s the reason why we are home now, sign Grandal, pretty much out weakest position and let’s get a real stud w Mookie, and bring up Pache. Done deal, our starting pitching is fine and retool the bullpen which is not far from getting fixed.
I wanted Grandal last year. Didn’t even make an offer.
AA doesn’t have any excuses now. He gotta do something big this year. I think he missed some big opportunities last year because some of these prospects lost value. He should have a gauge on who is worth moving & who is not.
Betts is not coming to ATL. The Braves will have to give up WAY too much to only be guaranteed 1 year. If the Braves really want Betts then wait a year and pony up the money.
If the Braves are going to shell out mo ey I would rather see them resign Donaldson and go after Cole. In the early 90’s the Braves needed a proven ace to lead the rotation. So they signed Maddux coming off a Cy Young season…Here is Cole who will likely win the CY Young this season and going to be a free agent. Get him locked up and fortify the rotation with Soroka, Fried, and Folty behind him. Then have a battle for the 5th spot with Wright and Andersen.
They need Donaldson though to have a bat to protect Freeman. A bat like his is a must.
Braves didn’t need an ACE in the 90’s. We made it to WS without Maddux. Avery & Smoltz were well on their way to being ACES and Glavine was already at his best.
Also Maddux signed for less than what the Yankees offered so that scenario is different from Cole’s.
The BRAVES won’t sign a pitcher longterm that will cost them 25+ million a year. The Braves don’t operate that way. The Braves don’t need to do that, we have a bunch of good pitching here or on the way.
The reason we/the Braves didn’t win more than 1 WS in 14 years, was Bobby Cox’s fault. PERIOD. it was Snit fault I think we lose this series, but he shouldn’t be fired because of it. I think Snit should have used Fried for 3 innings in game 1, but Snit can only use the players he is given by AA. The Braves do things on the cheap side since Turner. If you are a fan you should know that. We don’t need a high dollar OF player. We have Acuna, Ender, Markakis, If the Braves resign Donaldson. We have Riley to play the outfield. Riley could be a 35-40 Hr. guy with a full year. What about Duvall? The Braves are set at every position except catcher for years. The Braves do need bullpen help. We can’t go into next year as Melancon as our 9th. inning guy. We don’t need Keuchel, period. Let Julio go. Maybe try Bumgardner on a 1-2 year deal, if he would take 10 million a yr. We probably do need a veteran. Maybe keep Julio if we can’t get Madison. Maybe a few of the young pitchers will be in the pen. I think Folty, Soroka, Fried, Newk. will be the starters along with Julio/veteran. Wright, Anderson, Wilson in the mix. I think Wilson will be a good reliever.
I can’t believe I read all that to get to maybe try Bumgarner on a 1-2 yr deal for 10 million $$$
In what universe would MadBum even consider that ????
I shoulda stopped at Riley proved he could be a 35-40 hr guy in a full season. The only thing the kid has proven is that he has to learn how to make adjustments. Did you see any of his AB before he got hurt he was lost up there at bat.
In a world where Free Agents are making less and less if they are not the Harper/Machado type? It’s a buyers market right now
Players go into slumps. With your thinking, the Braves should trade Freeman. Freeman looked pretty lost in the last 5 games, so did Josh and Nick. 3 of the reasons the Braves are going to watch the WS from the couch. Do you think Madison is going to get 20 million a year? Do you think he wants to play in SF with a new manager and a rebuild? I would rather see Bumgarner before I would Keuchel, maybe even Julio. The only thing Julio has going over Madison is health. We have been waiting on Julio for years to go to that next level and he hasn’t.
In amazed how many people cannot spell Maddux correctly
Our top of rotation is not fine,,,yet. I believe a TOR or two would would be big leap post season-wise for this squad. We have developed the core and it is ever strengthening but to defeat the offensive juggernauts that dot the post season landscape would take a little TOR veteran pitching. Its a comman thread with the last teams standing. I don’t think that’s any kind of coincidence
I would make Grandel a priority. The Braves need a steady Catcher.
Shame on this team, not being able to beat STL, and the NATS are one step away from the world series So what is the point of winning the division if you’re going to make a fool of yourself