not sure what the nerds say about the benefits of ramping up to whatever degree but yea no reason to put any meaningful strain on the elbow at this point. prolly should pump the brakes on strider too. someone should tell him he has a strained lat.
This has been yet another season of unfathomable calamities. Last year was absurd but this year may have already surpassed it
it may seem like a lost season but Wiley Ballard won Georgia sportscaster of the year so is it really?
Does anyone have Ronnie’s stats readily available since his homer against the Mets and everyone was bitching about his home run trot
Not ideal but this injury shouldn’t have an adverse impact to shareholders which is all that matters.
dont think he’s even eligible for arbitration for another 2 years. i guess we could sell high but that kinda cheap production is important for a cheap franchise like ours
Some bullpen arms maybe. Iggy maybe? Sale would prob return the most. This season has just been the worst.
Sale should absolutely be put out there to see what teams are willing to offer. He’s going to be 37 next year. This offense needs a complete overhaul. The farm system needs an overhaul. And Sale is easily going to bring back the biggest haul. Float him out there to the Tigers or Cubs, teams that may want to go all in, and teams with plenty of bats in the minors to spare.
This organization is more focused on profits than winning so trading off assets that bring people to the ballpark likely isn’t an option. We’re more likely to fall into the 80 win purgatory of mediocrity than make any sensible moves that are in the best interests of long-term competitiveness
did not realize this please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as i grapple with not knowing something
you’ve embarrassed this thread for the last time. you will now be joining the freeze and blooper in tonight’s sacrifice
TIME FOR A TRADE DEADLINE SUMMARY BROUGHT TO YOU BY SOG AND GEMINI Part I: A Framework for Valuation 1.1 Introduction: Deconstructing Trade Value In the complex economy of Major League Baseball, a player's value extends far beyond the box score. True trade value is a multifaceted calculation, a synthesis of on-field production, financial obligation, future potential, and market demand. It is the measure of an asset's worth to 29 other organizations, each with its own competitive window, financial constraints, and strategic imperatives. This report aims to provide an exhaustive analysis of the 2025 Atlanta Braves 40-man roster, assigning each player a trade value on a standardized 0-100 scale. This scale is designed to quantify a player's desirability across the league, providing a clear hierarchy of the organization's most valuable assets. The 0-100 scale is benchmarked as follows: 100: A generational, pre-arbitration superstar. The platonic ideal of a franchise cornerstone, a player who is functionally untradeable. 90-99: Elite, young, cost-controlled franchise players. These assets can single-handedly alter a team's trajectory and would command a trade package of historic proportions. 75-89: Perennial All-Stars, true aces, or elite closers on team-friendly contracts. Acquiring such a player would require multiple top-tier prospects and likely a significant, controllable MLB player in return. 60-74: Above-average regular position players, dependable No. 2 or No. 3 starters, or high-leverage relievers. These players are often the centerpieces of major trade-deadline deals. 45-59: Solid everyday players, reliable back-end starters, and valuable setup men. These are the crucial, high-floor pieces that contenders seek to bolster their depth. 25-44: Useful bench players, swingmen, middle relievers, or intriguing prospects with considerable upside but also significant risk. 1-24: Fringe roster players, organizational depth, or players whose contracts represent negative value (i.e., their salary exceeds their on-field production). 0: A player with no viable trade market, typically due to a combination of poor performance, prohibitive contract, and/or significant injury. This valuation is built upon five foundational pillars, each weighted to reflect the priorities of a modern front office: Performance & Trajectory: A player's demonstrated ability is paramount. This analysis utilizes advanced metrics such as Weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+) for hitters and Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) or Expected ERA (xERA) for pitchers to isolate a player's true talent from the noise of park factors and defensive luck. As requested, current 2025 performance is weighted heavily, but it is contextualized by a multi-year baseline (2023-2024) to assess whether a player is ascending, peaking, or declining. Contractual Control: Perhaps the most critical factor in modern team-building is surplus value—the difference between a player's on-field production and their salary. Long-term, team-friendly contracts, a hallmark of the Braves' recent strategy, create enormous trade value. Age: Youth is the most valuable currency in baseball. Younger players offer more years of potential peak performance and team control, making them exponentially more valuable than older players with similar production levels. Health & Risk: A player's injury history is a direct measure of risk. A comprehensive review of past and current injuries is essential, as significant health concerns can drastically suppress the value of even the most talented players. Positional Scarcity & League-Wide Need: Not all positions are created equal. The difficulty of finding productive players at premium defensive positions like catcher and shortstop means those who can hit from those spots are inherently more valuable. This value is amplified by the specific needs of potential trade partners across the league. 1.2 The Positional Scarcity Index: Not All WAR Is Created Equal To properly assess trade value, one must understand the principle of positional scarcity. A win contributed by a shortstop is more valuable than a win contributed by a first baseman because finding an adequate replacement for the former is significantly more difficult. The defensive demands of up-the-middle positions (C, SS, 2B, CF) are so rigorous that the pool of players capable of handling them is smaller, and the offensive expectations are consequently lower. Therefore, a player who provides above-average offense from a premium defensive position is a rare and coveted asset. This report utilizes a Positional Scarcity Index to adjust raw value, based on the league-average offensive production (wRC+) at each position. The hierarchy, from most to least scarce, is as follows: Catcher (C): The most physically and mentally demanding position, which takes a significant toll on offensive output. An above-average offensive catcher is a market inefficiency and a massive organizational advantage. Shortstop (SS): The premier infield position. Players who combine plus defense with an impact bat are franchise cornerstones. Center Field (CF): The captain of the outfield. Requires elite range and instincts. A power-speed threat from this position is a top-tier asset. Second Base (2B): A key up-the-middle position requiring agility and quickness, with a higher offensive bar than shortstop. Third Base (3B): The "hot corner" demands excellent reflexes and a strong arm, coupled with the expectation of significant power production. Right Field (RF): Traditionally a position for a power hitter with a strong throwing arm. Starting Pitcher (SP): The most impactful single role on a team. Value varies dramatically between a true ace and a back-end innings-eater. Left Field (LF): Generally considered the least demanding outfield position, placing a heavy emphasis on offensive production. First Base (1B): The least demanding defensive position, requiring elite-level hitting to provide substantial value. Relief Pitcher (RP): Performance is notoriously volatile, but elite, high-leverage arms are always in high demand, particularly for contenders at the trade deadline. Designated Hitter (DH): Offers no defensive value. A player must be a truly elite hitter to justify a full-time DH role. Furthermore, a "flexibility premium" is applied to players capable of handling multiple positions competently. A player who can seamlessly move between the outfield and infield, for example, provides a manager with invaluable roster construction options, allowing for optimized daily lineups and crucial injury cover. This versatility is a valuable asset in itself and enhances a player's trade value beyond their primary position's worth.
Section I: Foundational Pillars - The Untouchable Core This tier is reserved for players whose combination of elite talent, long-term peak-age performance, and extraordinary contract value makes them franchise-defining assets. While no player is truly "untouchable," the return for these individuals would need to be franchise-altering, likely involving multiple top-10 MLB prospects plus young, controllable MLB talent. Their contracts are so team-friendly that the Braves derive more value from keeping them than any realistic trade package could offer. 1. Ronald Acuña Jr., RF Age: 27 Contract: Signed through 2026 ($17M AAV), with club options for 2027 ($17M) and 2028 ($17M). Trade Value: 99 Ronald Acuña Jr. is the definition of a five-tool superstar and, when factoring in his contract, arguably the single most valuable asset in all of baseball. His unanimous NL MVP season in 2023, in which he became the first player in history to hit 40 home runs and steal 70 bases, was a historic display of power and speed. That generational talent is attached to what may be the most team-friendly contract in modern sports history: an eight-year, $100 million deal that pays him a mere $17 million annually through his prime age-30 season. This combination of elite production and bargain cost creates a level of surplus value that is simply unmatched. While he has suffered two significant, acute injuries—tears of the ACL in both his right (2021) and left (2024) knees—these are viewed as recoverable setbacks rather than chronic, degenerative issues. Since returning to the lineup in late May 2025, he has been playing at an elite level, hitting for immense power and demonstrating that the core talent remains fully intact. While he may be more cautious on the basepaths, his offensive impact remains astronomical, as evidenced by his 206 wRC+ in 34 games this season. For any of the other 29 teams, the opportunity to acquire a 27-year-old MVP on this contract is a franchise-altering proposition. The risk associated with his injury history is overwhelmingly negated by his transcendent ceiling and team-friendly deal. He is, for all intents and purposes, untradeable. Financial Value Analysis Estimated 2025 Value: $42.5M (based on a 5.0 WAR projection) Median Positional Value (OF): $15.0M 2025 Salary: $17.0M Surplus Value: +$25.5M 2. Austin Riley, 3B Age: 28 Contract: Signed through 2032 ($22M AAV), with a $20M club option for 2033. Trade Value: 96 Austin Riley embodies the ideal modern franchise cornerstone. At 28, he is in the absolute prime of his career, providing elite power production from a premium position. His 10-year, $212 million contract, the largest in franchise history, is a masterstroke of team building. While a significant commitment, it buys out all of his arbitration and free-agent years at a rate ($22 million annually) that is a bargain for a player of his caliber, especially as league revenues and salaries continue to escalate. Riley's on-field performance provides a high and stable floor. After a breakout 2021, he has established himself as one of the premier offensive third basemen in the game, consistently posting a wRC+ well above league average (128 in 2023, 116 in a down 2024) and demonstrating prodigious power with 37 home runs in 2023. His underlying metrics, including a consistently elite average exit velocity (93.3 mph in 2024) and hard-hit rate (53.4%), suggest his power is legitimate and sustainable. Defensively, he has developed into a solid, reliable third baseman. Critically, Riley has been a pillar of durability, a trait that cannot be overstated. While he has dealt with minor ailments like an oblique issue and a fractured hand in 2024, he has largely avoided the kind of major, long-term injuries that plague many of his peers. This combination of elite production, prime age, long-term cost certainty, and durability makes him a near-perfect asset. Financial Value Analysis Estimated 2025 Value: $39.1M (based on a 4.6 WAR projection) Median Positional Value (3B): $17.0M 2025 Salary: $22.0M Surplus Value: +$17.1M 3. Michael Harris II, CF Age: 24 Contract: Signed through 2030 ($9M AAV), with club options for 2031 ($15M) and 2032 ($20M). Trade Value: 95 Michael Harris II's value proposition is built on a foundation of elite, Gold Glove-caliber defense in center field, game-changing speed, and a contract that is almost laughably team-friendly. At just 24 years old, he is under team control for up to eight more seasons at an average annual value that will never exceed $12 million until his option years. This level of cost control for a premium up-the-middle player is exceedingly rare and creates staggering surplus value. His offensive game, while inconsistent, has shown flashes of brilliance. After winning the NL Rookie of the Year award in 2022, he posted a solid 116 wRC+ in 2023, showcasing a tantalizing power-speed combination with 18 home runs and 20 stolen bases. While his offensive numbers have dipped in 2024 and 2025, and he has dealt with injuries including a back strain and a significant hamstring strain, these are viewed as temporary setbacks for a player of his age and athletic ability. The combination of his youth, defensive prowess, and contract makes him an extraordinarily valuable asset. A team acquiring him would be betting that his recent offensive struggles are a temporary downturn, not a long-term trend. Given his age and demonstrated ceiling, that is a bet nearly every team in baseball would be willing to make, and the price would be immense. Financial Value Analysis Estimated 2025 Value: $42.5M (based on a 5.0 WAR projection) Median Positional Value (OF): $15.0M 2025 Salary: $8.0M Surplus Value: +$34.5M 4. Spencer Schwellenbach, SP Age: 25 Contract: Pre-arbitration eligible; controllable through 2030. Trade Value: 92 Spencer Schwellenbach was authoring a phenomenal breakout campaign in 2025, establishing himself as a legitimate frontline starter before suffering a setback. In 17 starts, he posted a stellar 3.09 ERA and a sub-1.00 WHIP, flashing ace-like potential with exceptional command (4.4% walk rate) and strikeout ability. This performance, combined with his youth and six years of cheap team control, made him one of the most valuable young pitchers in baseball. His value was impacted in early July 2025 by a fractured right elbow, described as a "freak accident" that will sideline him for at least two months. While any pitching injury is a concern, a non-chronic bone fracture is viewed differently than a ligament or shoulder issue. It temporarily pauses his ascent but does not fundamentally alter the projection of a future co-ace. An acquiring team would be betting on a full recovery, but the reward—a cost-controlled, top-of-the-rotation starter for the next half-decade—is immense. The asking price would remain exceptionally high, likely starting with a top-20 overall prospect. Financial Value Analysis Estimated 2025 Value: $29.8M (based on a 3.5 WAR projection) Median Positional Value (SP): $15.0M 2025 Salary: $0.77M Surplus Value: +$29.03M 5. Spencer Strider, SP Age: 26 Contract: Signed through 2028 ($12.5M AAV), with a $22M club option for 2029. Trade Value: 90 Spencer Strider possesses the kind of overpowering raw stuff that defines a true ace. From 2022 to 2023, he was arguably the most dominant starting pitcher in baseball, leading the majors with a historic 281 strikeouts in 2023 and posting an elite 2.85 FIP. His combination of a high-90s fastball and a devastating slider gives him a ceiling as high as any pitcher in the sport. Recognizing this, the Braves signed him to a six-year, $75 million extension, a deal that locks him up through his age-30 season at a cost that is a massive bargain for a pitcher of his caliber. His value is complex due to a significant injury history, including a collegiate Tommy John surgery and a 2024 internal brace procedure on his throwing elbow. However, in a valuation model that prioritizes ceiling, Strider's is nearly limitless. While his 2025 return has been hampered by a minor hamstring strain, the core asset remains: five-plus years of affordable control over a pitcher with a demonstrated Cy Young-caliber peak. The risk is substantial, but the potential reward of acquiring a cost-controlled ace is a gamble that nearly every front office would eagerly take. The trade package required would be monumental, likely involving a top-25 prospect and a significant, controllable MLB player. Financial Value Analysis Estimated 2025 Value: $34.0M (based on a 4.0 WAR projection) Median Positional Value (SP): $15.0M 2025 Salary: $4.0M Surplus Value: +$30.0M
Tier 2: The Elite & Established Core (Value: 60-89) This tier features players who are among the best at their positions, combining All-Star caliber performance with team-friendly contracts. It also includes a rising star who was one of baseball's top prospects before a successful MLB debut. These players are foundational pieces that would command massive returns in any trade scenario. 6. Sean Murphy, C Age: 30 Contract: Signed through 2028 ($15M annually from 2025-28), with a $15M club option for 2029. Trade Value: 78 Sean Murphy's value is anchored by his position. As an elite defensive catcher who provides above-average power, he is one of the most valuable players at the sport's most demanding position. In 2023, he was an All-Star and posted a 127 wRC+, demonstrating his ability to be a true two-way force. The Braves recognized this value, signing him to a six-year, $73 million extension shortly after acquiring him, a contract that provides cost certainty through his age-34 season. This deal, which averages just over $12 million, is a significant bargain compared to the open-market rate for top-tier catchers. However, Murphy's value is not without its caveats. His offensive production fell off in the second half of 2023 and has been inconsistent through 2024 and 2025, raising questions about his true offensive baseline. Furthermore, he has dealt with notable injuries, including a torn oblique in 2024 and a cracked rib that cost him the start of the 2025 season. Despite these concerns, a controllable, Gold Glove-caliber catcher with 20-homer power is a rarity, and the demand for such a player would be immense. Financial Value Analysis Estimated 2025 Value: $25.5M (based on a 3.0 WAR projection) Median Positional Value (C): $10.0M 2025 Salary: $15.0M Surplus Value: +$10.5M 7. Ozzie Albies, 2B Age: 28 Contract: Signed through 2025 ($7M), with club options for 2026 ($7M) and 2027 ($7M). Trade Value: 68 Ozzie Albies remains one of the greatest contractual bargains in professional sports. A durable, switch-hitting, All-Star second baseman, Albies is under team control for three more seasons at a cost that is a fraction of his on-field value. Since his debut, he has been a remarkably consistent offensive player, providing both power and speed from a premium defensive position. However, his value, while still immense, is tempered by a few factors. His defensive metrics at second base have declined from elite to merely average in recent years. Offensively, while consistently good, he has not reached the elite tier of hitters, typically settling in with a wRC+ in the 105-115 range. His seven-year, $35 million contract is the primary driver of his value; it allows any team to plug in an All-Star caliber second baseman for less than the cost of a mid-tier reliever. Financial Value Analysis Estimated 2025 Value: $29.8M (based on a 3.5 WAR projection) Median Positional Value (2B): $12.0M 2025 Salary: $7.0M Surplus Value: +$22.8M 8. Matt Olson, 1B Age: 31 Contract: Signed through 2029 ($22M AAV), with a $20M club option for 2030. Trade Value: 65 Matt Olson is a model of consistency and durability. He is an elite power hitter who can be penciled in for 35-40 home runs and a 130+ wRC+ every season, all while providing Gold Glove-caliber defense at first base. His eight-year, $168 million contract provides cost certainty for a team's middle-of-the-order anchor through the remainder of the decade. However, two factors place him in this tier rather than a higher one. First is his position; first base has the lowest defensive value, meaning a player must provide truly elite offense to be a top-tier asset. While Olson is a great hitter, he is not in the absolute highest echelon. Second is his age and contract. At 31, he is likely at the peak of his value, and his $22 million annual salary, while fair, does not provide the massive surplus value of the contracts signed by Albies or Harris II. He is a high-floor, high-production player, but the combination of age, position, and salary caps his trade value ceiling. Financial Value Analysis Estimated 2025 Value: $25.5M (based on a 3.0 WAR projection) Median Positional Value (1B): $18.0M 2025 Salary: $22.0M Surplus Value: +$3.5M 9. Drake Baldwin, C Age: 24 Contract: Pre-arbitration eligible; controllable through 2030. Trade Value: 62 Formerly the Braves' #1 prospect and a consensus Top 100 prospect in baseball before graduating due to service time , Drake Baldwin has immediately shown why he was so highly regarded. His value is skyrocketing due to the potent combination of youth, performance, cost-control, and positional scarcity. Young, left-handed hitting catchers with an above-average bat are one of the rarest and most valuable commodities in baseball. In his 2025 debut, Baldwin has demonstrated both power and plate discipline, posting an impressive 125 wRC+ in 57 games. With six years of cheap team control remaining and a strong prospect pedigree, he represents a potential long-term, All-Star solution at catcher for another organization. Given that Sean Murphy is locked into a long-term deal, Baldwin stands out as one of the Braves' most valuable and logical trade chips, capable of headlining a package for a major roster upgrade. Financial Value Analysis Estimated 2025 Value: $15.3M (based on a 1.8 WAR projection) Median Positional Value (C): $10.0M 2025 Salary: $0.77M (est.) Surplus Value: +$14.53M
Tier 3: The High-Ceiling Arms & Veteran Pieces (Value: 45-59) This tier is a mix of high-upside young talent and proven veterans. It includes some of the organization's top pitching prospects, whose value is rooted in their immense potential and years of team control, alongside established big leaguers who can provide immediate impact. These players are highly sought after, representing the kind of assets that can either be future cornerstones or the key pieces in a trade for a star. 10. Chris Sale, SP Age: 36 Contract: Signed through 2025 ($22M), with an $18M club option for 2026. Trade Value: 58 Valuing Chris Sale in 2025 is an exercise in weighing elite performance against risk. After years of battling injuries, Sale enjoyed a renaissance in 2024, pitching like a Cy Young contender. The injury bug bit again in 2025 with a fractured rib, a non-structural injury that landed him on the 60-day IL but is not expected to have long-term effects. When healthy, he is still a true ace, capable of dominating any lineup. His contract, which pays him $22 million in 2025 and has a reasonable $18 million option for 2026, would be a bargain for this level of production. The primary concerns are his age and extensive past injury history, but for a contending team looking for a high-impact arm on a short-term deal, Sale represents an elite upside play. Financial Value Analysis Estimated 2025 Value: $21.3M (based on a 2.5 WAR projection) Median Positional Value (SP): $15.0M 2025 Salary: $22.0M Surplus Value: -$0.7M 11. AJ Smith-Shawver, SP Age: 22 Contract: Pre-arbitration eligible; controllable through 2030. Trade Value: 50 AJ Smith-Shawver is a pure projection play with an exceptionally high ceiling. At just 22, he possesses an electric arm and the raw stuff of a future frontline starter, which is why he has been consistently ranked as one of the top prospects in the Braves' system. His arsenal includes a fastball that can touch 100 mph and a much-improved changeup. His 2025 season was ended by Tommy John surgery, a significant setback that adds a substantial layer of risk. However, his elite prospect pedigree, youth, and years of team control mean his trade value remains high. He is no longer a prospect who could headline a deal for a star, but he is precisely the kind of high-risk, high-reward asset a rebuilding team would covet, betting on his immense ceiling. Financial Value Analysis Estimated 2025 Value: $8.5M (based on a 1.0 WAR projection) Median Positional Value (SP): $15.0M 2025 Salary: $0.77M Surplus Value: +$7.73M 12. Hurston Waldrep, SP Age: 23 Contract: Pre-arbitration eligible; controllable through 2030. Trade Value: 48 Another of the Braves' high-octane young arms, Hurston Waldrep's value is built on his elite, plus-plus splitter, a pitch that has the potential to be one of the best in baseball. As a former first-round pick and a consensus top-5 prospect in the Braves' system, his pedigree is strong. While he has shown flashes of dominance in brief MLB stints, he is still refining the command of his mid-90s fastball, which has led some evaluators to question his future role. At 23, he has the ceiling of a No. 2 or No. 3 starter if he can harness his full arsenal. He represents the classic top-50 prospect trade chip: a player with immense potential who could be the centerpiece of a significant trade to bring back an established MLB player. Financial Value Analysis Estimated 2025 Value: $12.8M (based on a 1.5 WAR projection) Median Positional Value (SP): $15.0M 2025 Salary: $0.77M (est.) Surplus Value: +$12.03M 13. Reynaldo López, SP/RP Age: 31 Contract: Signed through 2025 ($8M), with an $8M club option for 2026. Trade Value: 46 Reynaldo López's successful conversion from a high-leverage reliever back into a quality starting pitcher was one of the great stories of the 2024 season. His value lies in this demonstrated versatility, his electric arm, and a very team-friendly contract that includes an affordable $8 million club option for 2026. Unfortunately, his 2025 season was cut short by arthroscopic shoulder surgery, placing him on the 60-day IL. A shoulder surgery for a pitcher is a significant concern, more so than an acute fracture. However, a healthy López is a prime trade target, capable of filling a role in either the rotation or the bullpen for a contending team. His value is now tied to his recovery prognosis. Financial Value Analysis Estimated 2025 Value: $8.5M (based on a 1.0 WAR projection) Median Positional Value (SP): $15.0M 2025 Salary: $8.0M Surplus Value: +$0.5M 14. Joe Jiménez, RP Age: 30 Contract: Signed through 2025 ($9M). Trade Value: 45 When healthy, Joe Jiménez is a prototypical high-leverage setup man, armed with a high-strikeout arsenal perfect for the 7th or 8th inning. He was a key piece of the Braves' bullpen before landing on the 60-day IL with a knee injury. His contract, which pays him $9 million in his final year of the deal, is reasonable for a reliever of his caliber. Like others on this list, his current trade value is suppressed by his injury status. A healthy Jiménez heading into the trade deadline would be one of the more sought-after relief arms on the market, capable of commanding a good prospect from a team desperate for bullpen help. Financial Value Analysis Estimated 2025 Value: $4.3M (based on a 0.5 WAR projection) Median Positional Value (RP): $7.0M 2025 Salary: $9.0M Surplus Value: -$4.7M Tier 4: The Dependable Depth & Specialized Assets (Value: 25-44) This tier is a diverse collection of players whose value is derived from specific, desirable traits: the high floor of a reliable starting pitcher, the reliability of specialized relievers, or the upside of a toolsy prospect. These players are the currency of the modern trade market, often packaged together or used as key secondary pieces to complete a larger transaction. 15. Bryce Elder, SP Age: 26 Contract: Pre-arbitration eligible; controllable through 2028. Trade Value: 43 Bryce Elder represents a high-floor, cost-controlled starting pitcher—a type of player that is always in demand. His breakout first half in 2023 earned him an All-Star nod, showcasing his ability to succeed at the MLB level by inducing weak contact and ground balls. While he doesn't possess the high-octane stuff of a Strider or Schwellenbach, he provides reliable innings at the back of a rotation. At age 26 and with three more years of arbitration eligibility after 2025, he offers a long window of cheap team control. This profile makes him an ideal trade target for a team looking to add a dependable No. 4 or No. 5 starter without surrendering a top-tier prospect. Financial Value Analysis Estimated 2025 Value: $12.8M (based on a 1.5 WAR projection) Median Positional Value (SP): $15.0M 2025 Salary: $0.77M Surplus Value: +$12.03M 16. Grant Holmes, SP/RP Age: 29 Contract: Pre-arbitration eligible ($770,000 in 2025); controllable through 2027. Trade Value: 35 Grant Holmes's career is a testament to perseverance. A former first-round pick in 2014, he spent a decade in the minors before finally breaking through and establishing himself as a valuable member of the Braves' pitching staff. In 2025, he has demonstrated his versatility, performing well as both a starter and a long reliever, and posting an impressive strikeout rate (10.3K/9). At 29, he is older for a player with so little service time, but his pre-arbitration status makes him an incredible bargain. He is out of minor league options, meaning he must stick on a big-league roster, but his performance has more than justified his spot. For another team, he represents a cheap, controllable, and versatile arm who can fill multiple roles. Financial Value Analysis Estimated 2025 Value: $5.1M (based on a 0.6 WAR projection) Median Positional Value (SP/RP): $7.0M 2025 Salary: $0.77M Surplus Value: +$4.33M 17. Dylan Lee, RP Age: 30 Contract: Arbitration eligible; controllable through 2027. Trade Value: 30 Dylan Lee is a reliable and effective left-handed reliever. He has proven capable of handling high-leverage situations and has consistently performed well for the Braves' bullpen. As a cost-controlled reliever with multiple years of team control remaining, he holds solid value across the league. Every contending team is in the market for left-handed bullpen help, and Lee's profile as a dependable, non-rental arm makes him an attractive target. Financial Value Analysis Estimated 2025 Value: $3.4M (based on a 0.4 WAR projection) Median Positional Value (RP): $7.0M 2025 Salary: $1.05M Surplus Value: +$2.35M 18. Nacho Alvarez Jr., IF Age: 22 Contract: Pre-arbitration eligible; controllable through 2030. Trade Value: 28 Regarded as a top-five prospect in the Braves' system, Nacho Alvarez Jr. is valued for his advanced hitting approach and defensive fundamentals. Praised as arguably the best pure hitter in the organization's minor league ranks, he exhibits excellent contact skills and plate discipline. While there are questions about whether his power will develop enough for a corner spot or if he has the range for shortstop, his ability to play multiple infield positions adds to his value. At just 22 years old and with years of team control, he is a valuable trade asset who could bring back a solid piece for the major league roster. Financial Value Analysis Estimated 2025 Value: $4.3M (based on a 0.5 WAR projection) Median Positional Value (IF): $15.0M 2025 Salary: $0.77M Surplus Value: +$3.53M 19. Aaron Bummer, RP Age: 31 Contract: Signed through 2025 ($9.5M). Trade Value: 25 Aaron Bummer is a highly specialized asset. He is an elite ground-ball pitcher, a skill that is valuable for a team with a strong infield defense looking to induce double plays in key moments. However, his value is significantly constrained by his contract, which pays him a hefty $9.5 million in 2025. This salary is high for a non-closer, middle-relief specialist, which will limit his market to a small number of teams that highly value his specific skill set and have the payroll flexibility to absorb his contract. Financial Value Analysis Estimated 2025 Value: $4.3M (based on a 0.5 WAR projection) Median Positional Value (RP): $7.0M 2025 Salary: $9.5M Surplus Value: -$5.2M Tier 5: The Depth & Fringe Pieces (Value: 0-24) The players in this final tier represent the fungible assets of a major league roster. Their value is derived from their utility, their depth, or, in some cases, is negated by their contract. This group includes veteran role players, organizational depth pieces who occupy a 40-man roster spot, and players whose performance has not lived up to their salary. They are rarely the focus of trades but can be included as throw-ins to balance rosters or are often moved via the waiver wire. 20. Marcell Ozuna, DH Age: 34 Contract: Signed through 2025 ($16M). Trade Value: 20 Marcell Ozuna's value is singular: he provides power from the designated hitter spot. When he is hitting, he can be a productive middle-of-the-order bat. However, he offers no defensive value, and his offensive production can be streaky. His trade value is heavily suppressed by his age (34) and his $16 million salary for 2025. At this price point, most teams would expect more consistent production or defensive versatility. A trade is possible, but it would almost certainly require the Braves to pay down a significant portion of his remaining salary to receive even a minimal prospect return. Financial Value Analysis Estimated 2025 Value: $6.8M (based on a 0.8 WAR projection) Median Positional Value (DH): $12.0M 2025 Salary: $16.0M Surplus Value: -$9.2M 21. Daysbel Hernández, RP Age: 28 Contract: Pre-arbitration eligible. Trade Value: 12 Daysbel Hernández possesses a powerful arm, but his career has been defined by a lack of command. He has the raw stuff to be a major league reliever, but until he can consistently throw strikes, his value remains limited to that of a high-risk, low-reward depth piece. Financial Value Analysis Estimated 2025 Value: $0.9M (based on a 0.1 WAR projection) Median Positional Value (RP): $7.0M 2025 Salary: $0.77M (est.) Surplus Value: +$0.13M 22. Nick Allen, IF Age: 26 Contract: Pre-arbitration eligible. Trade Value: 10 Nick Allen is an elite, Gold Glove-caliber defensive infielder who can play multiple positions. This defensive wizardry gives him a clear role as a late-inning replacement. However, his bat is almost non-existent, making it difficult for him to hold a regular spot on a roster. His value is niche but real for a contender looking to shore up its late-game defense. Financial Value Analysis Estimated 2025 Value: $10.2M (based on a 1.2 WAR projection) Median Positional Value (IF): $15.0M 2025 Salary: $0.78M Surplus Value: +$9.42M 23. Luke Williams, UT Age: 28 Contract: Pre-arbitration eligible. Trade Value: 8 Luke Williams's value comes from his extreme versatility. He can capably play nearly every position on the diamond, making him a valuable bench piece for a manager who prizes flexibility. Like Allen, his offensive contributions are minimal, which caps his value. Financial Value Analysis Estimated 2025 Value: -$1.7M (based on a -0.2 WAR projection) Median Positional Value (UT): N/A 2025 Salary: $0.77M (est.) Surplus Value: -$2.47M 24. Eli White, OF Age: 31 Contract: Arbitration eligible. Trade Value: 7 Eli White is a classic fourth outfielder. He provides plus speed and solid defense at all three outfield positions but offers a limited offensive profile. He is a useful depth piece but has minimal trade value beyond being a potential throw-in. Financial Value Analysis Estimated 2025 Value: $3.4M (based on a 0.4 WAR projection) Median Positional Value (OF): $15.0M 2025 Salary: $0.79M Surplus Value: +$2.61M 25. Dylan Dodd, SP/RP Age: 27 Contract: Pre-arbitration eligible. Trade Value: 5 Dylan Dodd is a left-handed pitcher who serves as organizational starting depth. He has struggled to find success during his opportunities at the major league level and has seen his prospect status fall. He has value as a Triple-A starter who can be called up in case of injury, but his trade value is negligible. Financial Value Analysis Estimated 2025 Value: $1.7M (based on a 0.2 WAR projection) Median Positional Value (SP): $15.0M 2025 Salary: $0.77M Surplus Value: +$0.93M 26. Didier Fuentes, SP Age: 20 Contract: Pre-arbitration eligible. Trade Value: 4 Didier Fuentes is a very young, high-upside pitching prospect currently in the lower levels of the minor leagues. At just 20 years old, he is years away from the majors, and the risk associated with any pitcher this young is immense. While he has potential and has seen his prospect stock rise within the organization, he is too far from contributing to have significant trade value in a deal for an established player. Financial Value Analysis Estimated 2025 Value: -$1.7M (based on a -0.2 WAR projection) Median Positional Value (SP): $15.0M 2025 Salary: $0.77M (est.) Surplus Value: -$2.47M Remaining Roster (Value: 0-2) The rest of the 40-man roster consists of players with minimal to no trade value. This group includes aging middle relievers on less-than-ideal contracts (e.g., Rafael Montero, Enyel De Los Santos), fringe major leaguers who serve as organizational depth (e.g., Kevin Herget, Austin Cox, Davis Daniel), and raw, lower-level prospects (e.g., Domingo Gonzalez, Rolddy Muñoz). These players are typically moved via waiver claims or as non-essential pieces to finalize a larger trade.
I’m not sure if I’d be more mad about us trading Acuna or not extending/resigning him and watching him sign with a different team and then be mad we didn’t trade him when we had the chance
i think he either is traded or we actually pony up for him and management thinks “oh we signed the one big contract no one can accuse us of being cheap” while letting the rest of the roster fall apart
a) pathetic effort on that passed ball from murph b) this kid is so clearly not ready what an absolute farce this front office is
Acuna and Olson both getting singles is a failure as they only score when they make themselves score.
We obviously suck shit on just about every level but I’m not sure there’s anyone I dislike more than Riley rn
hearty ovation for the guy who started this clusterfuck of a season would expect nothing less from the cucks still attending games