Winners and losers of the 2015 MLB Winter Meetings

Dec 7, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; MLB commissioner Rob Manfred answers question from the media after naming Cal Ripken Jr. (right) Senior Advisor to the Commissioner on Youth Programs and Outreach during the MLB winter meetings at Gaylord Opryland Resort . Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /

Winner – Atlanta Braves

There was a bit of animosity toward the Braves rebuilding process heading into the weekend, with fans becoming a bit disenchanted with the tear-down of the team thus far this winter. Oddly enough, those feelings were abated by yet another restructuring move in Nashville.

The talk heading into the weekend was that the Arizona Diamondbacks were hot on the push to pry right-hander Shelby Miller from the Braves. However, up until arriving in Nashville, Atlanta was adamant that up-and-coming center fielder A.J. Pollock be included in any return package from Arizona.

Things shifted quite a bit when Jose Fernandez became a hot target in the lobby and the Braves softened their stance on Pollock. The decision undoubtedly benefited them.

When the deal was struck, Atlanta got the Major League outfielder they wanted, albeit in the form of Ender Inciarte (.303/.338/.408, 6 HR, 21 SB). However, the prospect return was what sets this deal apart. By nabbing last year’s number one pick, Dansby Swanson, and top pitching prospect Aaron Blair, the Braves jump-started their rebuilding effort.

The Braves now feature a solid core of prospects on the cusp of the big leagues. In addition to Swanson and Blair, Atlanta has left-hander Sean Newcomb (Andrelton Simmons trade), Touki Toussant, Tyrell Jenkins, Manny Banuelos, Max Fried, and more in the last two winters. Needless to say, that influx of young talent should have them competitive again quickly, just in time for the opening of their new park in 2017.

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