While the free-agent market remains quiet for the Atlanta Braves, the rumor mill remains in full motion. Here’s everything you missed from the weekend.
The biggest looming decision for Atlanta general manager Alex Anthopoulos this offseason will be whether or not the Braves bring back Dansby Swanson. The former No. 1 overall pick has blossomed into one of the best shortstops in the National League. Coming off a breakout season, Swanson now hits the free-agent market.
There hasn’t been much movement on the Swanson front. The Cubs are definitely interested, especially because Swanson’s price could be slightly lower than Carlos Correa, Trea Turner and Xander Bogaerts.
Dansby Swanson rumors
As for Atlanta themselves, they’ve already started prepping a Swanson backup plan, just in case he leaves for greener pastures. Vaughn Grissom would be the favored in-house replacement for Dansby, but the 21-year-old isn’t nearly as polished as his predecessor.
To help with that, Grissom is in New Orleans working out with Braves assistant Ron Washington. Fielding, it would appear, is the main theme of these workouts.
“That’s why they’re giving me time with him right now — to get him right,” Washington said, per The Athletic (subscription required). “Get him thinking right, getting him to understand the nuances of being a shortstop, the things you have to do, the way you have to go about your business. You know, he’s a young kid. A young kid that’s just used to going out there, putting the gloves on and playing.”
Atlanta Braves news: Any more updates?
The non-tender deadline passed, and the Braves chose five players to keep on the roster, thus avoiding the Rule 5 draft. Those players were Guillermo Heredia (OF), Jackson Stephens (RHP), Silvino Bracho (RHP), Alan Rangel (RHP), and Brooks Wilson (RHP).
Atlanta also signed Mike Soroka to a one-year contract late last week.
The Braves could also be interested in bringing back some familiar faces, with our own recommendations being Craig Kimbrel, Brandon Drury and more.