The Atlanta Braves have started spring training with a 6-4 record, a solid start that reflects the mix of established stars and new additions working together to shape what could be another strong season. With the team aiming for another division title, their offseason and spring training moves have played a critical role in setting up their roster for success. From the start of the offseason in November 2024, the Braves made several key transactions, some small and under-the-radar, others more impactful and immediately felt in the lineup or pitching staff. Now, as games unfold in Florida, the effects of these moves are beginning to show, and the question remains whether they’ve done enough to secure another National League East crown.
November marked the start of the Braves’ efforts to retool certain aspects of their team. One of their earliest moves was claiming Royber Salinas off waivers from the Oakland Athletics. Salinas had originally been a Braves prospect before being sent to Oakland in a previous trade, but the organization still believed in his talent enough to bring him back into the fold. While the right-hander was later non-tendered, Atlanta quickly re-signed him to a minor league contract, a signal that they see something in his development that could make him useful either in their bullpen or as organizational depth. Moves like these don’t make headlines, but they can have a long-term impact, as pitching depth is often tested over a 162-game season.
As the calendar turned to December, Atlanta focused on larger moves to strengthen their roster. The most significant transaction of their offseason technically happened the previous year when they acquired left-hander Chris Sale from the Boston Red Sox in a December 2023 trade. Sale had battled injuries in his final years with Boston, but Atlanta saw the potential for him to return to form, and he rewarded their faith by delivering a dominant 2024 season, leading the National League in wins, ERA, and strikeouts. He also took home a Cy Young Award and a Gold Glove, proving that he wasn’t just an elite pitcher but also one of the best defensive hurlers in the game. Bringing in a player with his experience and pedigree had an immediate impact on the rotation, as his leadership set a tone for the rest of the pitching staff.
January was when the Braves made one of their most intriguing additions, signing Jurickson Profar to a three-year, $42 million contract. Profar is a player who has always had versatility, but he took his game to another level in 2024, making his first All-Star team and posting the best offensive numbers of his career. He’s a switch-hitter who can fit anywhere in the lineup, giving manager Brian Snitker plenty of options when constructing daily lineups. Defensively, he adds flexibility to the outfield while also providing depth at second base if needed. The Braves valued not just his bat, but his ability to contribute in multiple ways, making him an ideal addition to a team already filled with star players.
Another move Atlanta made in January was the addition of veteran left-handed reliever Chasen Shreve on a minor league deal. While not a major signing, bringing in a veteran reliever like Shreve is the kind of move that can pay dividends later in the season. Shreve has been around the league for years and has shown flashes of being an effective bullpen piece. If he pitches well in spring training, he could carve out a role in the Braves’ bullpen as a left-handed specialist. If he doesn’t make the team out of camp, he provides insurance in case the Braves run into bullpen struggles later in the season.
As spring training approached, the Braves continued adding depth. In February, they signed Jake Marisnick to a minor league deal. While Marisnick is known more for his defense than his bat, the Braves liked what he could provide as an extra outfielder, someone who could come in late in games as a defensive replacement or pinch-runner. Marisnick has experience with several teams and understands what it takes to be a role player on a winning team, making him a useful addition as the Braves fine-tune their roster before Opening Day.
Now that spring training games have begun, the effects of these moves are being felt on the field. Profar has already shown his value at the plate, getting on base consistently and providing quality at-bats against both left-handed and right-handed pitching. His presence in the lineup has given Atlanta another offensive weapon, something that could be crucial as the team looks to keep up with some of the league’s top offenses. Sale has made an early spring appearance and, as expected, continues to be a stabilizing force in the rotation. His presence alone gives the Braves a sense of confidence when he takes the mound, knowing that they have an ace who can dominate on any given night. The bullpen, still taking shape, has seen different arms getting opportunities, with Shreve among those competing for a spot on the Opening Day roster.
One of the things that stands out about Atlanta’s offseason approach is their ability to mix high-impact additions with depth moves. While some teams focus on landing the biggest free agent available, the Braves have taken a more balanced approach, supplementing their core with players who provide flexibility, depth, and experience. They already have key stars in place, including reigning NL MVP Ronald Acuña Jr., slugging first baseman Matt Olson, and one of the best infields in baseball with Ozzie Albies and Austin Riley. Their rotation, led by Sale, Max Fried, and Spencer Strider, has the potential to be one of the best in the league if everyone stays healthy. Adding players like Profar strengthens the lineup, while depth signings like Marisnick and Shreve ensure that the team has options throughout the season.
The National League East remains one of the most competitive divisions in baseball. The Phillies, who knocked the Braves out of the playoffs last season, haven’t gotten any weaker and remain a major threat. The Mets, despite a disappointing 2024 season, are always willing to spend and could be dangerous if their rotation holds up. The Marlins continue to develop young talent, and while the Nationals are still rebuilding, they have a few exciting players who could cause problems for division rivals. The Braves know that they can’t take anything for granted, which is why their methodical offseason approach was designed to give them the best possible chance to claim another division title.
One of the biggest advantages the Braves have going into the season is continuity. Many of their key players have been together for years, and that chemistry matters over the course of a long season. The front office has done an excellent job of locking up their core players, ensuring that they remain in Atlanta for years to come. Unlike teams that enter spring training with significant roster turnover, the Braves already have a foundation in place, allowing them to focus on refining the details rather than trying to build chemistry from scratch.
Here’s the thing folks: Spring training is an important time for teams to evaluate their roster and determine where final adjustments need to be made before the regular season begins. The Braves’ 6-4 record shows that they’re off to a good start, but more important than wins and losses in March is how the new additions are fitting in and how the team is shaping up overall. If Profar continues to contribute offensively the way he has in early games, if Sale remains dominant, and if the bullpen solidifies itself, the Braves will be in a strong position when the season begins.
Wth that…. The moves Atlanta made this winter should put them in a position to once again compete for the division title. Their blend of star power and depth gives them one of the most well-rounded rosters in the league. They’ve reinforced their strengths while also addressing areas of need, making them a formidable opponent for any team they face. If everything comes together the way the front office envisions, the Braves could not only win the NL East but make a deep playoff run. With spring training still underway, the pieces are falling into place, and soon enough, the real test will begin when Opening Day arrives.