Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos held an end-of-season press conference with reporters on Friday morning, where he notably mentioned that he anticipates an increase in player payroll for the upcoming year. However, this rise in payroll doesn’t necessarily imply that the Braves will be particularly active in free agency, as the team already has significant internal commitments.
“It’s increased every year since I joined the team,” Anthopoulos stated, according to Gabe Burns of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “I’m confident it won’t decrease; I expect it to go up, but how much we’ll determine during the offseason. I consider it from Opening Day to Opening Day because issues can arise during the season. It’s not limitless, but we have consistently set a new payroll high each year. We will increase it, but I can’t specify the exact amount.”
As per Cot’s Baseball Contracts, the Braves are projected to start the 2024 season with approximately $223 million in player salaries. Their estimated luxury tax figure is significantly higher because it is based on the average annual values of contracts, which results in a larger tax figure for Atlanta due to multiple backloaded extensions. Cot’s estimates the Braves’ luxury tax hit at around $279 million, but Anthopoulos confirmed that the team was just under the $277 million threshold that triggers a third-tier penalty. This marks the second consecutive year the Braves will pay the luxury tax.
The Braves appear ready to exceed the threshold for a third straight year in 2025, which would result in higher penalties for repeat offenders. They would incur a 50% tax on the first $20 million over next year’s $241 million base threshold and a 62% tax on the subsequent $20 million, with additional penalties if they surpass $281 million.
According to RosterResource, the Braves currently have around $180 million in player salaries (excluding CBT obligations) for 2025. They are expected to exercise three club options that would add another $31.25 million, bringing the total to roughly $211.25 million. MLB Trade Rumors contributor Matt Swartz predicts that their arbitration class could add about $10 million more, assuming they tender Ramon Laureano while moving on from Cavan Biggio. Filling out the roster with minimum-salary players would bring them close to last year’s estimated Opening Day payroll, not accounting for external acquisitions.
Anthopoulos and his team may also create some payroll flexibility through trades. Jorge Soler is scheduled to earn $13 million over the next two seasons. After performing well down the stretch, Soler was acquired to strengthen a struggling offense, but he may not be the best fit on a roster with Marcell Ozuna already in the designated hitter role. Ronald Acuña Jr. is expected to return to right field early in the season. If the Braves keep Laureano for his last arbitration season, trading Soler while offloading part of his contract could be a practical move.
Additionally, the Braves will need to consider adding new players, especially with potential free-agent losses of Max Fried and A.J. Minter. Charlie Morton is also a free agent and may choose to retire. The return of Spencer Strider midway through the season would help mitigate Fried’s loss, and the bullpen remains solid even if Minter departs. However, questions about rotation depth may arise behind a strong core that includes Chris Sale, Reynaldo Lopez, Spencer Schwellenbach, and a healthy Strider.
Atlanta might also seek to upgrade at shortstop over Orlando Arcia. A significant free-agent signing like Willy Adames would be unusual for a front office known for making substantial moves through trades and extensions. Earlier this week, Jon Heyman of the New York Post mentioned the Braves as a potential landing spot for Adames. However, there aren’t many obvious trade candidates for shortstop, particularly if the Blue Jays decide to retain Bo Bichette for his final year of club control. Anthopoulos and his staff have a history of making surprising trades, making it challenging to predict their exact targets.
One aspect of the team that is likely to remain unchanged is the coaching staff. Manager Brian Snitker is under contract through the end of next season, and he confirmed after the team’s exit in the NL wild-card series that he intends to continue managing. Anthopoulos also expressed that he expects the entire coaching staff to stay in place.
