The Atlanta Braves officially started their offseason on Wednesday afternoon when they re-signed relief pitcher Pierce Johnson to a two-year deal. Alex Anthopoulos and the front office were bound to prioritize pitching this winter -- specifically in the bullpen -- so it should come as no huge surprise that they starter with the flame-throwing righty.
However, Johnson is not where the Braves offseason will end. Far from it, in fact. While Anthopoulos was quick to play down that any major changes were needed, it's not in his nature to stand pat, especially when the Braves fell short of expectations for the second straight year to the same team. Something has to give, and the Atlanta roster will surely look different come 2024.
Braves free agent who will leave: Kevin Pillar can do better
Kevin Pillar served most of the 2023 season as Eddie Rosario's platoon partner. Rosario has a club option for this winter and them has yet to make a decision on it. Pillar, though, seemed to hint at his goodbyes to Braves fans in a tweet just last week.
"It was an absolutely honor to wear Atlanta Braves across my chest. I will miss showing up at Truist playing in front of y'all! Till we meet again!" Pillar tweeted.
As Eric Cole of The House That Hank Built noted, this isn't necessarily a guarantee that Pillar will leave. However, he is an unrestricted free agent, and could probably start for some teams in need of a corner outfielder.
"The move isn't all that surprising considering the state of the Braves' roster. Eddie Rosario has a club option for $9 million next season and it sounds like the Braves are planning on picking up that option. Even in a world where the Braves decided to sign an everyday left fielder as an upgrade over Rosario, bringing back Pillar wouldn't make much sense especially if Kevin is looking for more playing time,"Cole wrote.
Pillar will get his playing time, just not with the Braves.
Braves free agent who will be back: Eddie Rosario
As I hinted in the last slide, Eddie Rosario is valued by the Braves organization. He knows his role and his strengths as a corner outfielder, and is a solid hitter against right-handed pitching. Expect Atlanta to possibly search for another platoon partner for him this winter.
Rosario will cost just $9 million in 2024, and he's on a club option. Anthopoulos would be wise to pick that up, as the value for a player with Rosario's slash line and power (plus his defensive ability) isn't that cheap. Rosario was voted a Gold Glove finalist by his peers this season, further increasing his value. By no means should Rosario be deemed a Gold Glover, as his play in left is often an adventure. However, there are far worse players Atlanta could have at the position.
Left field is one of the only weaknesses in the field for Atlanta. However, Rosario did hit 20-plus home runs and had over a 100 wRC+. For a proposed 'weakness' that's not all that bad. It would be a surprise to see Rosario play elsewhere next season, as he'll be in the final year of his deal.
Braves free agent who will leave: Charlie Culberson
This one isn't necessarily a shocker, but Charlie Culberson emerged as a fan favorite this season despite barely appearing in a game until late summer. Culberson was designated for assignment on several occasions, and even elected free agency once. In August, he agreed to an assignment in Gwinnett, and basically served as an emergency platoon player if the Braves needed him late in the year or in the postseason. That time never came, and Culberson is now expendable and a free agent.
FanSided's John Buhler explained Braves Country's affinity to Culberson in July, when he had his best moment of the season -- a hit in his first at-bat since 2019:
"We always pull for the hometown hero, but everyone's journey is different. Culberson is never going to be an All-Star, and he's probably only going to play for the Braves a few more times this season. He's not Stockbridge native Michael Harris II or Lilburn native Matt Olson, but damn, he is one of us! Culberson is Braves Country, even when he is not even playing for his hometown team," Buhler wrote.
Culberson's latest go-around with the Braves didn't provide a ton of value, but he will be missed in the clubhouse.
Braves free agent who will be back: Charlie Morton
Until Charlie Morton is no longer a Brave, I believe he'll show up come spring training. Morton is turning 40 years old this winter and there are rightly questions about his future in Atlanta, or anywhere for that matter. Morton has a club option for $20 million this offseason. There's a possibility the Braves decline it for that price, thus making Morton a free agent. He could also opt to retire. Or, perhaps Alex Anthopoulos and Morton's representation can agree to a revised one-year contract. The latter feels like the most likely.
The Braves need rotation help pretty badly. Morton struggled down the stretch and didn't pitch in the NLDS due to injury. FanSided MLB Insider Robert Murray believes Atlanta could pursue some top-line rotation talent this offseason, but Anthopoulos is never one to show his cards:
"The Braves tried for a starting pitcher at the trade deadline, according to sources, but ultimately came up empty. The free-agent class has an abundance of talented options, headlined by Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery and Aaron Nola, among others...But Anthopolous has shown an ability to be creative in trade talks, and has also shown that he can extend players as part of trades (see: Matt Olson, Sean Murphy)."
Maybe Anthopoulos makes a move. Maybe he doesn't. Either way, expect Morton back, assuming he wants to pitch at all next year.
Braves free agent who won't be back: Collin McHugh
Atlanta needs to make bullpen changes, and that could start with Collin McHugh, who has a team option this winter. That option would be affordable for the Braves to pick up, but if they are really looking to revamp this pitching staff, they can do better. Atlanta should also consider picking up the options of Jesse Chavez, Brad Hand and Joe Jimenez, if Anthopoulis is willing.
AA made it clear that he knows the Braves pitching depth was in question this season. They don't want to be in that position next summer:
"I think all your points that you brought up about the ailments two years in a row going into the postseason with some things that have come up with the rotation, I think (are) extremely fair. I wouldn't argue. Look, those are the facts. There's no doubt about it, we had a great season, but there's no doubt we were definitely banged up. In terms of how that would shape or influence our offseason, I think the same thing (as usual). I'm going to be very guarded with our potential offseason plans," Anthopoulos told David O'Brien of The Athletic.
Even so, much of the Braves offseason should revolve around upgrading the pitching staff, rather than keeping some of its lesser members around. McHugh qualifies as the latter.
