October 9, 2019 Atlanta: Atlanta Braves fans react in shock after the Braves' allowed 11 runs in the first two inning against the St. Louis Cardinals during game 5 in the NLDS on Wednesday, October, 9, 2019, in Atlanta. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com
Braves fans have a right to be upset over lack of big signings
The Braves have been the busiest team this offseason, signing several players and swinging a countless number of trades. However, the lack of blockbuster acquisitions following back-to-back disappointing early exits in the postseason while the Dodgers stack their team with marquee names has many fans understandably perturbed.
It’s in the nature of fans to react to flashy signings and big names. Nobody likes to see their rivals get better while their GM sits on his hands, but what many fail to understand is that nobody, even the Dodgers, was in as enviable position as the Braves coming into the offseason.
Atlanta’s roster is chock full of young stars on team-friendly contracts for many years. Their 2023 lineup, which was up there with the best offenses of all time, returns eight starters, and the Braves have already found a replacement for Eddie Rosario in Jarred Kelenic, who very well could be a significant upgrade.
The pitching isn’t in as great of shape, but it’s far from a disaster. As of now, FanGraphs projects the Braves staff to account for 19.4 WAR, the second-most in baseball behind only the Philadelphia Phillies.
Still, this isn’t a new issue when it comes to the Braves, who have typically deterred from shopping in the most expensive aisles in free agency. Fans have been patiently waiting for them to finally pull the trigger and hand out one of these mega contracts to put the team over the top. With all the money they are raking in from sold out crowds and the surrounding Battery area, it should be possible. Yet, it hasn’t happened, and it’s beginning to look like it’s not going to take place this offseason either.
That’s not going to sit well with a lot of people, especially if the Braves fall short again in 2024. But do fans have a right to be upset? On the latest episode of SportstalkATL, we discuss the Braves offseason, lack of marquee signings, and whether people should be irate if they don’t land a frontline starter.
