Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos hints at one final 'impactful' playoff-caliber offseason addition

Hunter Cookston

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Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos hints at one final 'impactful' playoff-caliber offseason addition image

The Atlanta Braves are off to a blistering start this offseason, and there is no sign of them slowing down anytime soon. The Braves recently re-signed Ha-Seong Kim to a one-year deal after the Oakland Athletics reportedly offered him a four-year contract. Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos ultimately presented Kim with an offer he couldn’t resist.

“Shortstop Ha-Seong Kim is returning to the Atlanta Braves, agreeing Monday to a one-year, $20 million contract that addressed a major offseason priority for the team. Kim gets a $4 million raise. He had declined a $16 million player option that was in the two-year, $29 million contract he signed in February with Tampa Bay, a deal that paid him $13 million. The Braves announced the new deal with Kim on Monday night,” ESPN reported.

Coming into the offseason, the Braves had a clear plan, and for the most part, it has already been executed. However, there is still one position that remains unresolved.

“Anthopoulos said shortstop, bullpen and rotation are among the areas they'll discuss addressing this winter,” AJC’s Gabe Burns reported.

Starting pitching remains an area of improvement. While things have been relatively quiet recently, Anthopoulos has made it clear what the next priority is for Atlanta. The starting pitching market has been thoroughly explored.

“We’ve explored the starting rotation, adding and getting some type of starter, whether that’s trade or signing. We’d like for it to be someone impactful, someone we think can start a playoff game,” Anthopoulos said, noting the team is in a good place with their current starters.

The Braves appear to be getting nearly everything they want this offseason, which is an encouraging sign. Several veteran arms remain available, and if Atlanta is able to land a reliable rotation piece, this winter can be considered a major success.

Anthopoulos is operating from a position of confidence, and if there is a starting pitcher he believes fits the Braves’ needs, he will be aggressive in acquiring him. Atlanta is in an excellent position early in the offseason.

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Contributing writer

Contributing Writer