The pessimism of Max Fried, the replacement for Orlando Arcia, the rumors about prospects

The Atlanta Braves have a lot to think about this season. They failed to win a postseason game this year and must take steps to remain a playoff contender next season. Many of these involve players who are currently on the team. It also means being active in free agency.

One area they are in is the outfield. Heck, maybe they’re even overcrowded on the depth chart. But they also have some questions in their starting rotation and who their offseason target will be to generate some more offense.

This coming winter could be crucial for the Braves. Max Fried is the biggest question mark as free agency looms over Atlanta. Here’s what to look out for as winter approaches.

The Braves will have to be unconventional this winter. If you want to be a contender, you have to spend like one. Look at the New York Yankees payroll – and that’s before they have to pay Juan Soto, if they want to. Look at the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Money conversations; it can also translate into wins. So the Braves will have to make a decision and it will certainly involve spending some money.

In a story written by Mark Bradley of the Atlanta Journal Constitution, he sees no way for the Braves to keep Fried. To keep Fried, he said they had to do something they had never done before.

The reason the Braves let go of Freddie Freeman, Josh Donaldson and Dansby Swanson was because they didn’t want to pay too much.

So if they were willing to let those guys leave, why would they change now? Because it really is the baseball landscape now. The highest paid teams usually win. Of course, there are teams full of prospects and cheaper contracts moving forward.

But the teams that pay reap the rewards, and the Braves will have to do that, whether it’s for Fried or another top prospect on the free agency market.

It’s pretty clear that the Braves have some question marks at shortstop. Orlando Arcia was disappointing last season and it’s clear that if the Braves want to contend in 2025, they’ll need an offensive boost from the middle infielder position.

One player on a short list for the Braves is Ha-Seong Kim.

Much like the situation with Fried and perhaps the starting pitching market as a whole, the Braves will have to cough up some money. Kim has a mutual option in the final year of his contract with the San Diego Padres. If he doesn’t exercise that option, he could become unrestricted this winter.

This past season, Kim slashed .230/.330/.370 in 121 games. He missed 41 games due to a shoulder injury. He is expected to miss the first part of the season after surgery.

That means the Braves would be adding someone who could miss the first half of the season. That said, it also means he could be cheaper on the free agent market if he opts out of his final season in San Diego.

For the Braves, that might be worth it. Kim hasn’t been the best shortstop, but he could be a cheap addition that should pay off in the end as he is one of the better defensive infielders in free agency.

While free agency will be a major focus for the Braves, they also have a number of players who could make some moves in 2025. One prospect in particular who is already making some waves is catcher Drake Baldwin.

According to David O’Brien of The Athletic, Baldwin was “one phone call” away from making his MLB debut in 2024. With the injuries to Travis d’Arnaud and Sean Murphy, it is possible for him to make his debut.

The article continues to indicate that Baldwin could be a third catcher option, but he will most likely start the season in the minor leagues.

After being called up to Gwinnett Triple-A last season, in 72 games, Baldwin slashed .298/.407/.484. He also had 12 home runs and 55 RBI. He is certainly another player to keep an eye on. The Braves need offensive help. Hiring an experienced veteran would be ideal. It can also be expensive.

Baldwin could be a late-season shocker for the Braves if he is called up. And all signs point to him making his major league debut.