Braves Offseason Decisions

Locks:
Pitchers: Soroka, Fried, Foltynewicz
Hitters: Freeman, Albies, Swanson, Acuna, Culberson

Pitching

Keuchel: Free Agent, was about average, 3.75 ERA
- Atlanta probably moves on because of the money he will likely ask for. Also the other young pitching options make it easier to fill a spot in the rotation. But if they can get him at a decent price (Around 15m/year) I don't see an issue bringing him back then.

Teheran: Team Option (1 year/12m, with 1m buyout), he was either really good or really bad every start not much in between.
- I'd guess he is going to be bought out, the reason being that they left him off the post season roster until Martin got hurt and I feel that showed what think of his future. He has been extremely durable and usually pitches around 180 innings a year so he does have some value at 12m/year but I'm not sure enough to keep.

Newcomb: Started 2019 in Rotation and struggled, finished in the Bullpen and pitched well in that role.
- I wouldn't mind if he got another shot at being a starter. He has the stuff to be a starting pitcher.

Anderson: Top Pitching prospect, Finished in AAA
- Most likely begins in AAA then makes his way to Atlanta at some point during the season. Was excellent in AA (2.68 ERA) but struggle some in AAA (6.57 ERA in 3 starts). He probably needs more time in the minors to lower his walk rate before joining Atlanta long term. Potential to be #2 or #3 starter.

Wright/Wilson: 2nd/3rd Pitching Prospects, Both have pitched decent in AAA, but both have ERA's over 7.00 in the majors.
- It's way too early to give up on either being a starter, despite the struggles in the majors. I think they both start in AAA but both will make spot starts in Atlanta to see how they do. Those starts will then determine whether they stick in the rotation,become a bullpen piece, or get traded.


Hitters:

Donaldson: Free Agent, 2019 contract was 1year/23m, 6.1 WAR
- He is the biggest decision this offseason. According to WAR (6.1) he was Atlanta's best player. Ahead of Soroka (5.6), Acuna (5.5). He had a great year and didn't get hurt and is going to get paid because of it. I hope he comes back on a 2year/~45-50m contract. I don't know if that will be doable but last seasons offseason market was hard on free agents so it may be possible.

Markakis: Team Option (1year/6m, with 2m buyout), Fits best as a platoon player at this point. He will be 34 next season
- Based on his contract it makes sense to keep him. I don't think it's worth 4m to cut him. He just can't be playing full time anymore though, he can still hit right handers and can be good insurance for the outfield as a platoon player if they bring a young guy up and he struggles.

Riley: Started off on a tear, then went very cold and sat on the bench at the end of the season.
- He can't sit the bench. He's has to be playing everyday whether that is in AAA, 3B, or LF. I thought he was poorly managed after he got into a slump. He should of just went back to AAA instead of sitting on the bench. Prospects need to play not watch. He was considered the 3B of the future but there seems to be interest in bringing Donaldson back if the price works. His future is very uncertain if Donaldson comes back because Waters and Pache will be joining Acuna in the outfield soon.

Inciarte: Trade Candidate (3years/25.4), Does not have a long term role with Atlanta with Pache near, been injured more often
- Pache is Atlanta's CF of the future and should be taking over sometime next year. Inciarte has no value to Atlanta when Pache is promoted so it's time to trade him. Unfortunately Inciarte has struggled the last 2 years and his trade value isn't much because of his contract. He still plays a solid CF though and some teams should be interested.

Duvall: Depth Piece (3years of Arbitration)
- He stays as a platoon/bench hitter. Once Waters gets to the big leagues though his role would be reduced to just a pinch hitter.

Pache/Waters: Top Tier Prospects, both will most likely debut in 2020
- Pache is going to be a Gold Glove caliber CF in Atlanta for a long time.
- Waters is a potential 5-tool switch hitting outfielder who ends up in LF despite being a good defensive CF.
- I listed these two players because they are affecting how many outfield spots will be available because as soon as each of them are ready for the big leagues they are not going to be blocked by any of the veterans. The outfield of the future looks really bright right now with Waters, Pache, Acuna.


Catcher:

McCann: Retired
- McCann retired after the game, maybe he will be back with the organization down the road in a coach/manager role.

Flowers: Team Option (1year/6m, with 2m buyout) Back-up catcher at best.
- Flowers had a rough season. He led the majors in passed balls while not even starting half of the games. He hit .229 on top of his defensive issues. He is a back-up catcher. Atlanta needs to find a full time catcher this offseason.

Contreras/Langeliers: Both solid prospects but a couple years away.
- The minors have 2 decent catching prospects but the earliest one of them will make it to the majors is probably 2021. Catchers usually take longer than other positions and Langeliers is in A and Contreras is in AA.


I know I left a few players out but I didn't feel they were as impactful, but would include them if anyone is interested.