The Atlanta Braves will need to implement significant changes heading into the 2025 season, regardless of whether they make the postseason this year.
The 2024 season has been a nightmare for the Atlanta Braves, marked by potentially career-altering injuries to their top stars. Ronald Acuña Jr. suffered a torn ACL and underwent surgery, while Spencer Strider faced a torn UCL and also had surgery.
Adding to the Braves’ challenges, their rivals, the Philadelphia Phillies, have had one of their best seasons in years, capturing the NL East title from Atlanta for the first time in a while. It’s clear that the Braves have a significant amount of work ahead this offseason. Key to their overhaul will be parting ways with three players who will not be returning, regardless of the team’s postseason outcome.
3. UTL Whit Merrifield
Whit Merrifield began the season with the Philadelphia Phillies but was later deemed surplus to their postseason push. His performance with the Phillies was underwhelming, posting a .199/.277/.295 slash line with 8 extra-base hits in nearly 200 at-bats. The Braves acquired him to aid their own playoff bid, and Merrifield has improved his numbers in Atlanta to .243/.359/.342. However, with a team option of $8 million for next season, the Braves are unlikely to pick it up. They are expected to pursue a more impactful player in free agency, and prospect Nacho Alvarez Jr. is projected to make a full-time jump to the big leagues in 2025. Given Merrifield’s age and below-league-average OPS, he will likely be released unless he accepts a minor-league deal.
2. RHP Charlie Morton
The Braves’ pitching staff is both talented and deep but lacks proven consistency, with numerous prospects vying for rotation spots alongside Spencer Strider’s return. Key prospects include Spencer Schwellenbach, Hurston Waldrep, and AJ Smith-Shawver. Although Charlie Morton has been a reliable veteran, his 40-year-old frame and expiring contract make him expendable as Atlanta prioritizes younger talent. With Morton’s contract ending after this season and the emergence of younger pitchers, it’s probable he won’t be re-signed.
1. OF Adam Duvall
Adam Duvall faces the toughest departure from a personal standpoint. Having been a significant part of the Braves, including winning a Gold Glove and a World Series ring in 2021, Duvall is well-loved within the organization. However, his performance this season has been poor, with a .184/.244/.328 slash line and a negative WAR in 100 games. With his contract expiring and the need for the Braves to improve their lineup, the business side of baseball will likely lead to Duvall’s exit in free agency.
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