JUST IN: 4 questions surrounding the Braves’ roster

This summer may not be as difficult or traumatic for Braves fans, who will say goodbye to Freddie Freeman in 2021 and Dansby Swanson in 2022. However, this season might be interesting for the squad, which will enter 2023 looking for a sixth straight National League East title.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions concerning the Braves’ offseason:

1) Which players have alternatives?
The Braves have until five days after the World Series’ conclusion to determine whether to exercise the options for:

RHP Morton, Charlie — If Morton wishes to continue pitching, he may return to the Braves. This, however, does not guarantee that the soon-to-be 40-year-old pitcher would receive the $20 million value specified in his current option, which has no buyout.

 

OF Eddie Rosario . It’s difficult to find a left-handed hitter who can hit 20-25 home runs for $9 million. As a result, I believe this option will be used.

Kirby Yates, RHP Yates’ option is worth $5.75 million with a $1.25 million buyout. So the question is, can Atlanta find a better reliever for the $4.5 million difference? Yates will be 37 next year, but he improved his consistency throughout the season. In addition, he delivered the year’s best quote:

“I have it some days and some days I don’t, and the battle is trying to eliminate those days that you don’t have it,” he remarked. “I used to take satisfaction in saying, ‘If I did suck, it was still kind of good.’ When I’ve sucked this year, I’ve truly sucked. So, you know what I mean? We’re trying to get better at sucking. It’s still pretty when it’s good.

RHP Collin McHugh has a $6 million option that is unlikely to be exercised.

LHP Brad Hand has a $7 million option that is unlikely to be exercised.

2) Who are the other available free agents?

Joe Jiménez, RHP Though he took time to recover from a back procedure last winter, he emerged as a viable high-leverage option in the season’s second half. If the Braves believe he’s healthy, he might be offered a multi-year contract, similar to fellow right-handed reliever Pierce Johnson, who re-signed with Atlanta on Wednesday.

Kevin Pillar’s — It will take more than a Minor League contract to maintain this seasoned outfielder, who contributed with his glove and leadership.

RHP Jesse Chavez –– If the 40-year-old pitcher wants to continue pitching, signing another Minor League contract with the Braves makes sense.
INF Ehire Adrianza is highly unlikely to return.

3) Who is a possible non-tender candidate?
Teams have until November 17 to determine whether or not to tender contracts to all arbitration-eligible players. Players who are not offered a contract become free agents.

Michael Soroka is a strong non-tender contender. Over the last three seasons, Atlanta has paid him about $8.4 million for a total of 32 1/3 innings pitched. However, with Soroka’s Minor League options exhausted, the Braves

The Braves have hinted that they would take a risk on Yonny Chirinos turning things around next season. The cost of the gamble, estimated at $1.5-2 million, is not too expensive. He is, however, out of choices. So, once again, the question is whether he is capable of being on the 40-man roster for the entire season.

Nicky Lopez’s salary might be increased to $4 million through arbitration. Some may consider that a high price to pay for a backup infielder. Lopez, on the other hand, is a Gold Glove-caliber defender who may give significant value while filling in for Orlando Arcia and Ozzie Albies at both middle-infield positions next season. Lopez was acquired from the Royals before the trade deadline and spent the last two games of the season with them.

4) With whom may they be willing to make a trade?

Both AJ Smith-Shawver and this year’s first-round draft pick Hurston Waldrep have high trade values, but they also have the potential to be crucial members of Atlanta’s rotation in the coming years. Other teams would be interested in Vaughn Grissom. However, if the Braves want to pursue a controllable frontline starter, they may have to part ways with one of their numerous regulars who are now under what is largely seen as a team-friendly contract. This does not imply that Atlanta will enter the summer with the intention of making a significant move. However, it did not necessarily arrive last winter with the intention of trading William Contreras. ‘It’s the season to weigh all your possibilities.