The Braves have had a relatively silent offseason. They likely will make some additions before reporting to spring training Feb. 12, but they’re going to be banking on internal improvement, too. That includes more than just outfielder Ronald Acuña and starter Spencer Strider returning.
Here are three in-house players who, after having minimal or no effect on last season’s club, could have an impact on the 2025 Braves:
Starting pitcher Ian Anderson
This spring will be a clean slate for Anderson, who spent last season in the minors after returning from Tommy John surgery. It’s easy to forget how crucial Anderson was to the Braves’ past success, especially given his control issues before he was sidelined. He had a 3.25 ERA over his first 30 starts (2020-21) and found success in the postseason, where he owns a 1.26 ERA over eight games (35-2/3 innings). His latest postseason appearance came in the 2021 World Series, a memorable “effectively wild” outing in which he held the Astros hitless across five innings but walked three. He regressed mightily in 2022 — a 5.00 ERA in 22 starts — and underwent Tommy John surgery in spring 2023. He returned to pitch in the minors later last season but the Braves never summoned him down the stretch.
This offseason, the Braves saw Max Fried and Charlie Morton walk away, taking nearly 340 innings with them. The team hasn’t added a starter. There’s a clear runway for Anderson, who’s out of options and would need to clear waivers for the team to stash him back in Triple-A, to make an immediate impact. And at this juncture, the Braves might even need him. This is an all-important season for Anderson, whose future in the organization — and really in the majors, as far as what he can be — is in question.
Right-hander Daysbel Hernandez
This bullpen will look different. The Braves haven’t re-signed lefty A.J. Minter, a mainstay who could wind up elsewhere. Righty Joe Jiménez is done before the season begins because of knee surgery. Jesse Chavez is a free agent and could retire. Much will be expected from Raisel Iglesias, Pierce Johnson, Aaron Bummer and Dylan Lee, but the bullpen will need further reinforcements. Hernandez, who had a 2.50 ERA in 16 games last season, certainly could be one of them.
With a bevy of quality relievers available in free agency, it’d be fair to believe that’s the likeliest area in which the Braves could add before opening day. Perhaps that won’t be someone like Tanner Scott, the market’s top lefty, but there are ample relievers who could bolster any contender. Regardless, the Braves will need in-house help, too, and Hernandez is an obvious candidate.
Left-hander Angel Perdomo
The Braves first claimed Perdomo, who’d undergone Tommy John surgery, off waivers from the Pirates in November 2023. He’s remained in the organization as a long-term play. The 6-foot-8 southpaw had a 3.72 ERA and 37.6% strikeout rate in 29 innings for the Pirates in 2024. So Perdomo, 30, showed tantalizing potential before he was sidelined. The Braves have had success with reclamation projects in the past, and there’s reason to believe this could be one. Again, just as players like Lee and Grant Holmes emerged seemingly out of nowhere in past years, the Braves will probably have a pleasant surprise or two in their bullpen.
Other unheralded names:
Catcher Chadwick Tromp moves into the backup role — which he handled well last season — with Travis d’Arnaud having signed with the Angels. Tromp is keeping the seat warm for top prospect Drake Baldwin, but Tromp could have a notable impact on the team. It will be extremely difficult to replace d’Arnaud’s overall effect on the Braves, but Tromp, worst case, would appear an adequate bridge to Baldwin. Sean Murphy, the primary catcher, needs a bounce-back season.
Holmes will be an important piece, especially for his ability to start or aid the bullpen. He was the Braves’ great surprise of 2024; now he’ll be expected to contribute in 2025. He had a 3.56 ERA with 70 strikeouts and 15 walks in 26 games (seven starts).
As the roster currently is constructed, there will be an opportunity for an outfielder. The only “known” outfield spot is Michael Harris II in center because right fielder Ronald Acuña, a perennial MVP candidate, isn’t expected to be ready to start the season as he works his way back from a second ACL tear. Jarred Kelenic, displaced by Ramon Laureano later last season, will be a factor.
Otherwise, the group consists of unimpressive names such as Bryan De La Cruz, Eli White and Luke Williams. It’s safe to say this is a legitimate need for the team. Many would view it as a surprise if the Braves didn’t add a more credible outfielder by opening day, be that a more sizable addition — which becomes increasingly unlikely as options diminish — or someone who’s OK playing a part-time role.
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