Despite the usual offseason doom and gloom, the idea that the Atlanta Braves would take a backseat this winter has always been far-fetched. Led by Alex Anthopoulos, the Braves front office has a history of aggressively bolstering their roster, and there’s no sign that their sights are set on anything less than another World Series appearance.
While it’s true that the Braves haven’t made any headline-grabbing moves yet, which understandably causes some concern, their offseason strategy is far from quiet. Atlanta made some moves to free up payroll, but fans won’t get excited until that money is reinvested into the roster. The looming departure of Max Fried to free agency has only fueled anxiety among the fanbase, with many fearing the worst.
To add to the frustration, many of the Braves’ rumored targets have already signed elsewhere, leading to heightened concern. However, one name that has surfaced recently and remains available is top reliever Tanner Scott. If Atlanta is truly pursuing Scott, it could offer a glimpse into how they plan to address other roster needs moving forward.
Scott is a natural fit for the Braves. With Raisel Iglesias only under contract through 2025, Scott could be a potential closer of the future for Atlanta. Anthopoulos has shown a willingness to invest in the bullpen, as evidenced by the deals handed to Will Smith and the acquisition of Iglesias. Plus, since Scott was traded mid-season, he wouldn’t require a qualifying offer, meaning the Braves wouldn’t lose draft picks.
The challenge is that Scott isn’t going to come cheap. Before the pitching market exploded this offseason, he was expected to sign a four-year, $60 million contract. If the Braves land Scott, it could be their major free-agent signing, considering the current high prices on the market.
That might not be a bad outcome, though. A deal for Scott in the $15-16 million range would allow the Braves to shift their focus to more minor signings while targeting bigger needs like starting pitching and left field through trades. These trades would come at the cost of valuable prospects, but they could ultimately provide the best value for the Braves, offering a more strategic use of their resources rather than overpaying on free agents. Given their previous efforts to acquire Garrett Crochet, it’s possible this approach has been part of their plan all along.
