Bold takeaway: The Braves’ GM signals that improving the roster is a priority, but the path isn’t a single, shiny target—it’s a blend of health, depth, and opportunistic moves. Here’s a clear, beginner-friendly rewrite that preserves every key point and adds context where helpful.
The Winter Meetings in Orlando have kicked off in a largely unofficial fashion, with baseball’s executives gathering for a flurry of offseason dealings. While fans hope for dramatic moves, Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos aims to get work done, even if that progress starts now and stretches into the rest of the offseason. Speaking to reporters on Sunday evening, he offered a briefing on what to expect and how things are shaping up so far.
Anthopoulos emphasized that the meetings are important, but not a hard reset. “The meetings are definitely a focus of the offseason but it’s just a continuation, right,” he said. For the Braves, today or tomorrow, the rhythm doesn’t change. The industry’s gathering is great for the game, but their priorities remain consistent: to improve the team, whether by trades or free-agent signings.
During the offseason, teams must work with what’s available, much like at the trade deadline. There are routes to improvement on both pitching and hitting, and the goal is to pursue deals that make sense, even if the fit isn’t perfectly clean. If a promising opportunity arises, it’s worth pursuing even if it isn’t the obvious, textbook move.
AA isn’t aiming at a single, glaring need. When a club misses the postseason and finishes under .500, there are many areas to enhance. He described the search as a broad one: “We’re looking for opportunities. The areas of the roster are pretty clear where we can add, but there may be other moves that aren’t as obvious yet could still make the team better.” Among the clearer targets is starting pitching, though Anthopoulos stopped short of declaring it a top priority that must be addressed immediately. He noted that the Braves aren’t panicking about their rotation.
Health has been a major factor. By December, the Braves have more information about their roster than they did at the start of the offseason. On the mound, encouraging reports have come in from pitchers who were previously hurt, such as Spencer Schwellenbach, Spencer Strider, Reynaldo López, and Grant Holmes. Even with strong health reports so far, Anthopoulos didn’t rule out adding a starter if the right opportunity appears.
The team aims to deepen the rotation to ensure adequate depth. AA reiterated that depth is valuable, regardless of the current injuries. He explained that early in the offseason, more uncertainty existed, but as winter progresses, reports have become more favorable. Players are reporting to the ballpark, throwing, and staying healthy, which is a welcome change from previous years.
Grant Holmes’s progress was highlighted as an example of how internal options can shape decisions. Holmes wasn’t counted on initially and was viewed as the last man in the bullpen, but recent updates have been highly positive. Holmes is reportedly fully healthy and throwing, marking a significant improvement in the team’s internal options.
Regarding the rest of the rotation, Anthopoulos cited López and Strider as key arms, with Chase Sale (Chris Sale) and Schwellenbach as a promising top four on paper. He also noted the strength of the fifth spot, featuring Hurston Waldrup (Walrdep) who performed well and still has options left, Bryce Elder who impressed in September and is out of options, and the encouraging form of Grant Holmes when fully healthy. Elder’s September numbers, including a 3.13 ERA and strong velocity, drew attention, though the sample size is small.
Beyond those four, there are other internal options such as Joey Wentz, who performed well, and José Suárez, who made a spot start. They are out of options, but that doesn’t preclude potential further additions if an impact starter becomes available. The Braves have already explored conversations and haven’t ruled out anything that could bolster the rotation, especially with an eye on health planning for the year ahead.
Update on AJ Smith-Shawver: he’s progressing well in rehab and is on track for a roughly 12-to-13-month return timeline. The All-Star Break could serve as a useful gauge for his progress, though it remains some time away.
Injury news also covered Sean Murphy and Austin Riley. Murphy’s timetable centers on a four-month mark around mid-January to gain a clearer read on his recovery. The team’s doctors caution that healing should be complete and stable before returning to action. Riley’s update was more concise but very positive: he’s on track to be ready for spring training.
Overall, the focus isn’t limited to a single position like shortstop or others; the Braves appear open to strengthening multiple areas, with starting pitching currently at the forefront among realistic targets. The front office will continue to refine the roster as the offseason unfolds, balancing internal health progress with strategic acquisitions.
Follow-up thought: With health improving and several internal options showing promise, should the Braves prioritize adding a true, high-impact starter now or wait to see how the current group develops and adds depth later in the offseason? Share your take in the comments.
