MLB: Handing Out Offseason Grades to All 30 Teams

Atlanta Braves

Keeps: C A.J. Pierzynski

Additions: SS Dansby Swanson, RHP Aaron Blair, OF Ender Inciarte, SS Erick Aybar, C Tyler Flowers, LHP Ian Krol, IF Gordon Beckham, IF Kelly Johnson, RHP Kyle Kendrick, RHP Casey Kelly, LHP Sean Newcomb

Subtractions: RHP Shelby Miller, OF Cameron Maybin, SS Andrelton Simmons

The Atlanta Braves traded away some key pieces in the offseason, and their outlook for 2016 is not very good. They’ve dealt their best starting pitcher from 2015 in Miller, their Gold Glove shortstop in Simmons, and a starting outfielder in Maybin. Look past 2016, however, and the Braves are headed in the right direction.

In those deals, the Braves got a ton of pieces that could propel the team in the future. Swanson was the number-one overall pick this past amateur draft. Pitchers Newcomb and Blair were both top-100 prospects before the 2015 season. Inciarte is a promising young outfielder, and Atlanta has gotten a lot of trade inquiries regarding him. Aybar is a strong defender who, while not Simmons, is extremely solid and should provide should some veteran leadership.

Besides that, the Braves have added a lot of veterans to lead in 2016, and teach the young guys the ins and outs of the game. Pierzynski is back for his second year with the Braves, and will help the young pitchers along. Flowers, Beckham, Johnson, and Kendrick are all experienced players who will likely get a lot of big league time with Atlanta in 2016.

The Braves probably won’t make much noise in 2016, but past that, they could become contenders in the NL East yet again.

Final Grade: B+

Next: Baltimore Orioles