The long-term gamble by the Atlanta Braves on younger expertise is backfiring. An 0-5 begin has uncovered the chance of locking in gamers too early, leaving the group susceptible to accidents, suspensions and sudden declines in efficiency.
Nobody is extra central to this technique than basic supervisor Alex Anthopoulos. His aggressive method to securing younger expertise on long-term offers was as soon as hailed as visionary, making certain value management and stability. However now, as key gamers falter and roster flexibility shrinks, the cracks in that philosophy are displaying.
As not too long ago as 2024, Atlanta’s contract technique was thought of a mannequin of effectivity. Senior MLB writer Hannah Keyser noted in October 2023, “The reply to why the Braves appear so formidable is that they’ve numerous actually proficient gamers locked up for years to return.”
However the issue with early extensions is that expertise doesn’t at all times progress in a straight line.
Take outfielder Michael Harris II. His manufacturing has dipped after he burst onto the scene and earned an eight-year, $72M deal. His bWAR fell from 5.1 in 2022 to three.2 in 2024, highlighting the gamble of projecting long-term worth based mostly on a small pattern.
His feedback after Monday’s 6-0 loss to the Dodgers replicate the group’s predicament: “Mainly, we simply acquired to maneuver ahead. We’ve acquired to fret concerning the guys that we have now and attempt to win video games,” he told MLB.com’s Mark Bowman.
However the points don’t cease there. On Monday, right-handed pitcher Reynaldo Lopez landed on the 15-day IL with shoulder inflammation, additional weakening an already- skinny rotation.
In the meantime, outfielder Jurickson Profar’s 80-game suspension for PED use solely provides to the instability. Accidents have compounded the Braves’ struggles, with key gamers lacking time and exposing the shortage of dependable depth behind them.
Supervisor Brian Snitker, whose group performs the Dodgers once more Tuesday in Los Angeles, stays optimistic publicly. “It’s a must to put it behind you and search for positives,” he mentioned, per Bowman. “Tomorrow is a brand new day and could possibly be the beginning of a very good streak.”
