Anthopoulos Provides Key Updates on Braves’ Offseason and 2025 Vision
NORTH PORT, Fla. – Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos addressed the media on Friday at CoolToday Park, offering insights into the team’s offseason approach, roster adjustments, and future plans. He also provided updates on key players Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider.
Here are some of the key takeaways from his remarks:
Bullpen Concerns: The Biggest Unresolved Piece
Anthopoulos acknowledged that the departure of reliever Joe Jiménez remains the one hole they haven’t fully addressed. The Braves are still seeking a reliable high-leverage bullpen arm to complement Pierce Johnson and Dylan Lee. While there’s hope that Aaron Bummer can become a go-to option, and that Daysbel Hernández or Angel Perdomo (once he recovers from Tommy John surgery) can step up, the bullpen remains an area of uncertainty.
However, Anthopoulos emphasized that bullpen depth is often adjusted throughout the season. He pointed out that relief pitchers can be unpredictable, making the free-agent market a risky investment. Rather than locking into costly deals for uncertain production, the Braves are opting to experiment with internal options and remain flexible for in-season adjustments.
Rotation Depth: Taking Calculated Risks
When asked about the starting rotation’s depth, Anthopoulos explained the team carefully considered whether external additions would significantly outperform their internal options, including Grant Holmes.
To start the season, Atlanta’s rotation will feature Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, Spencer Schwellenbach, Ian Anderson, and Holmes. However, with Strider expected to return in April, either Holmes or Anderson could shift to a bullpen role, providing additional relief support.
The Braves explored multiple starting pitching options this offseason. They showed interest in Nathan Eovaldi and nearly signed Jeff Hoffman to a five-year deal before medical concerns with his right shoulder led to a cancellation. Ultimately, rather than overcommitting to external additions, the Braves chose to take a short-term gamble on Holmes and Anderson.
Anthopoulos remains confident that once Strider is back, a rotation of Sale, López, Schwellenbach, and Strider will be as formidable as any in the league—including the Dodgers. Additionally, if Anderson can rediscover his pre-2022 form, shifting Holmes to the bullpen could further strengthen the relief corps.
And if more rotation depth is needed? The Braves still have solid reinforcements in Bryce Elder, an All-Star, and top prospect AJ Smith-Shawver, who has the potential to develop into a star.
In short, Atlanta is betting on internal talent while keeping financial and roster flexibility intact—ready to adjust as needed throughout the season.
