FILE – Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Strider (99) delivers in the first inning of baseball game … More
The Atlanta Braves had a quiet winter that has been followed by a busy spring training.
The Braves’ only notable acquisition during the offseason was signing left fielder Jurickson Profar to a three-year, $42-million contract in free agency. Profar will try to spark an offense that was 15th among the 30 MLB teams in runs scored last season as the new leadoff hitter.
However, general manager Alex Anthopoulos has been busy since camp opened last month. The Braves signed relievers Hector Neris and Craig Kimbrel, catcher James McCann and outfielder Alex Verdugo.
Those moves figure to bolster the Braves’ depth after their streak of six consecutive National League East titles was ended by the Philadelphia Phillies last season.
Atlanta Braves Waiting On Two Injured Stars
Braves manager Brian Snitker believes his team has two more moves coming.
“We’re going to make two pretty big trades here early in the season,” Snitker said.
No, Snitker doesn’t have inside information on Anthopoulos making any trades, free agent signings or waiver claims. Snitker is talking about right-hander Spencer Strider and right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. getting closer to being ready to be activated from the injured list as they recover from severe injuries sustained last season.
Strider is expected to return in April after making just two starts last season before undergoing elbow surgery. Acuna could be back as soon as early May after he was limited to 49 games before tearing the ACL in his left knee.
Strider made his Grapefruit League debut last Monday against the Boston Red Sox and was spectacular. He pitched 2 2/3 perfect innings, struck out six of the eight batters he faced and threw 23 of 27 pitches for strikes.
Acuna isn’t ready to play in major-league exhibition games but will likely start seeing action in extended spring training games soon.
“They’ve both looked great,” Snitker said. “They’ve progressed in their rehabs just we hoped they would. We’re looking forward to getting them back sooner rather than later. Everyone knowns how much they mean to our team.
“You know if anyone is going to check all the boxes and be and committed to their rehab, it’s going to be those two guys because they love to compete. They can’t wait to get back out there.”
Acuna was the NL MVP in 2023 when he became the first MLB player with 40 home runs and 70 stolen bases in a season. He finished with 41 homers and 73 steals while hitting .337/.416/.596 in 159 games.
Strider led the major leagues in wins in ’23 when he had a 20-5 record with 3.86 ERA in 32 starts. He also had a league-leading 281 strikeouts in 186 2/3 innings.
Atlanta Braves Overcame Injuries Last Season
Despite being without Acuna and Strider for most of last season, the Braves still qualified for the postseason with an 89-73 record.
However, the Braves had many other injuries and didn’t clinch a playoff berth until the final day of the season. They appeared exhausted when getting swept by the San Diego Padres in a best-of-three NL Wild Card Series.
The Braves’ long injured list in 2024 also included catcher Sean Murphy, second baseman Ozzie Albies, third baseman Austin Riley and center fielder Michael Harris II.
All were limited to 110 games or less. Murphy will begin this season on the IL, opening the door for prized catching prospect Drake Baldwin to make his major-league debut.
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Chris Sale, left, collides with catcher Sean Murphy as they are … More
Yet the Braves were somehow able to reach the postseason for the seventh consecutive season. Snitker has won a World Series and an NL Manager of the Year Award during his 10-year tenure but might have had his best season last year.
In true Snitker fashion, he deflects credit to others.
“It’s a testament to the makeup of our players and how all those guys are,” Snitker said. “That didn’t surprise me one bit because we had lost players before in other seasons and won the division and got the playoffs.
“I’m very proud of all the players and the whole organization. Alex and his team went out and got guys to fill in and they were high quality guys that all contributed immensely. It just speaks volumes to your culture and the makeup of your club that we can keep winning year after year. I’m just fortunate to be a part of it.”
And Snitker expects the Braves to be in thick of what could be a tough NL East record with the Phillies and New York Mets, who added right fielder Juan Soto on a record-breaking 15-year, $765-million contract as a free agent.
“I like or club a lot and we should only get better as the season goes on,” the Atlanta Braves manager said. “I’m excited about what we can do this year.”
