The Atlanta Braves have been making waves this offseason, with General Manager Alex Anthopoulos at the helm, steering the team through a series of strategic moves. Fans cheered the re-signing of key players like Raisel Iglesias and Ha-Seong Kim, and the roster was further strengthened with the additions of Robert Suárez and Mike Yastrzemski. However, the decision not to sign a starting pitcher has sparked debate among fans and media alike.
The scrutiny intensified as pitchers Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep were sidelined with injuries during spring training. MLB insider Ken Rosenthal recently weighed in on the situation, critiquing Anthopoulos for not securing a starting pitcher. Yet, this perspective doesn't fully capture the complexities of the offseason market.
Rosenthal's analysis points out that while Anthopoulos hesitated to bring in another starter, the acquisitions of Zack Littell and Lucas Giolito provide depth. Anthopoulos also considered retaining Bryce Elder and Joey Wentz as internal options. The Braves explored trades involving Sonny Gray and Freddy Peralta, but their "bottom-four farm system" posed significant limitations.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Rosenthal’s piece is his treatment of the injury factor in Anthopoulos’ strategy. Before spring training injuries, the Braves were in a position where only a high-impact arm would warrant shifting Reynaldo Lopez or Grant Holmes to the bullpen. Anthopoulos was banking on a healthy roster, making the pursuit of a starter less urgent until injuries changed the landscape.
Rosenthal questions the Braves’ lack of aggression in chasing a playoff-caliber starter, but he acknowledges that this became a pressing issue only after the injuries took their toll.
In assessing Anthopoulos’ offseason strategy, it's crucial to consider the bigger picture. The challenges included a limited farm system, high standards for impactful pitching, and unexpected injuries.
Without factoring in these elements, the criticism seems incomplete. Anthopoulos navigated a complex situation, making calculated decisions that reflect the intricate dynamics of building a competitive roster.