ThatBravesBlog

Author: ThatBravesBlogger

  • Injuries, absences and new leadership headline Braves’ first 48 hours at spring training

    Injuries, absences and new leadership headline Braves’ first 48 hours at spring training

    NORTH PORT, Fla. (AP) — Spring training is underway for the Atlanta Braves, and the first 48 hours at CoolToday Park have already delivered a mix of injuries, notable absences and the start of a new managerial era.

    Schwellenbach headed for surgery

    Right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach is expected to begin the season on the 60-day injured list due to elbow inflammation. He is scheduled to undergo surgery, a major early blow to Atlanta’s pitching depth.

    Reliever Joe Jiménez is also dealing with injury concerns that could affect his availability for Opening Day.

    There was some good news on the pitching front. Grant Holmes, who opted for rehab over surgery after suffering a partial UCL tear last year, reported to camp fully healthy. Holmes said his elbow feels strong and that he’s ready for a starter’s workload this spring.

    Catcher Sean Murphy, recovering from offseason hip surgery, has begun light running and is targeting a return in May.

    Suárez absent due to visa issues

    Newly signed closer Robert Suárez has not reported to camp, reportedly due to visa delays. The Braves signed Suárez to a three-year, $45 million deal this offseason to bolster the bullpen, and while the team is not currently concerned, his absence has been noted as camp opens.

    Baldwin leads catching group

    With Murphy unavailable, Drake Baldwin enters camp as the club’s starting catcher. Baldwin, the 2025 National League Rookie of the Year, is expected to carry the bulk of the workload early.

    Veteran catcher Jonah Heim, formerly an All-Star with the Rangers, was added on a minor league deal and is already in camp. Heim is the expected backup until Murphy returns.

    Walt Weiss begins first camp as manager

    Walt Weiss is leading his first camp as the Braves’ manager following the retirement of longtime skipper Brian Snitker. The early tone has been described as relaxed but focused.

    Weiss has already begun building rapport with players and media alike, giving nicknames—including calling Atlanta Journal-Constitution beat writer Chad Bishop simply “Bish.”

    Snitker has remained present in his new role as a team advisor and has been spotted riding a golf cart around the facility in shorts and a polo shirt.

    Acuña, Albies report early

    Ronald Acuña Jr. reported to camp and told reporters, “I’m healthy now,” as he looks to return to MVP form. Acuña made a public appearance at the Super Bowl alongside music artist Bad Bunny and appears ready for a full workload this spring.

    Second baseman Ozzie Albies also arrived early as he looks to bounce back from an injury-riddled 2025 season.

    Elder brings back the beard

    Right-hander Bryce Elder arrived at camp with a full beard, reversing course after shaving it in 2023 reportedly due to Snitker’s preferences. The beard had become a fan favorite during Elder’s All-Star campaign and is seen by some as a good luck charm.

    With the rotation unsettled following Schwellenbach’s injury, the Braves may be hoping for a bit of that 2023 magic to return.

    Atlanta opens its Grapefruit League schedule Feb. 21 against the Tampa Bay Rays.

  • The Braves Are About to Get Loud at Shortstop — And They Have to.

    ThatBravesBlogger

    The Braves didn’t just finish 2025 with the worst offensive production from the shortstop position in baseball — they cratered. Bottom of the league in OPS, total bases, and slugging. That kind of black hole doesn’t fly when you’re trying to win a pennant.

    So with Ha-Seong Kim opting out and the free agent market heating up, Alex Anthopoulos is in a position he doesn’t usually love: needing to spend big or swing even bigger.

    Here’s a breakdown of the real shortstop options the Braves might chase — and one wild card that makes more than it should.

    ⸻

    Free Agent Splash: Bo Bichette

    The Fit: This is the dream scenario. Bichette is the best offensive SS available — career .294 hitter, still only 28, and built for Truist’s gaps. He immediately upgrades the top of the order.

    The Connection: AA helped draft and develop Bichette back in Toronto. If anyone can sell him on Atlanta’s core, it’s the guy who watched him grow up in pro ball.

    The Timing: He’s hitting free agency in his prime. The Braves’ competitive window is now. A 7-year deal north of $200M might hurt in 2032, but it could win you a title in 2026.

    ⸻

    Big Trade Energy: Corey Seager

    Yeah, it sounds nuts. But hear it out.

    Why It Could Happen:

    • The Rangers are over budget and underachieving.

    • Seager still has over $180M left through 2031.

    • Anthopoulos has shown he’ll take on money to avoid overpaying in prospects — see: Olson, Sale, Murphy.

    Why It Works:

    You’re not just buying a bat; you’re buying October. Seager is a two-time World Series MVP and one of the most clutch postseason hitters of the last decade. Add his glove and lefty bat to this infield and you’ve got stability for the next six years.

    The Risk: You’re likely giving up both Cam Caminiti and Hurston Waldrep to get Texas to eat enough money to make it palatable. That’s a big price — but flags fly forever.

    ⸻

    The Underrated Pivot: Marcus Semien

    This is the Anthopoulos special.

    Semien isn’t on most fans’ radar as a shortstop target, but:

    • He played shortstop full-time early in his career.

    • He’s a Gold Glover, durable as hell, and still bangs the ball around the yard.

    • He’s signed for 3 more years at big money, but not Seager money.

    Why it tracks: Texas is shopping salary, and Semien offers flexibility. Slide him in at short, let Allen be the utility man, and buy yourself time to develop Nacho Alvarez Jr. or figure out your real long-term answer.

    This would be the Matt Olson model: pay for a guy with proven tools, locked in at a number you can stomach, without emptying the farm.

    ⸻

    The Bottom Line:

    The Braves have to do something at short. They’re built to win right now, and you can’t have a contender dragging a .620 OPS at a premium position.

    If AA wants the sure thing, it’s Bichette.

    If he wants the big swing, it’s Seager.

    But if he wants the AA-style “buy-low, stay good” move?

    Don’t be surprised if Marcus Semien is wearing a tomahawk by March