Back for the second installment of my MLB Offseason Breakdown for the 2021 season. For all the newbies here what I do is write about all the acquisitions and losses the team had, my projected lineups and rotations, grade for the offseason, and my prediction for the team in the 2020 season. Let’s get into it.
Acquisitions and Losses:
LF Marcell Ozuna resigns with a 4 years $65 million contract
Great resigning here by Atlanta as they bring back Ozuna after having his best season in his career last year. Ozuna lead the NL in home runs, 18, and RBIs, 56, last season and finished third in batting average as he fell just short of the triple crown. Ozuna will continue to be a huge impact for Atlanta next season and would not be shocked if he finds himself in some MVP conversations.
RHP Charlie Morton signs a 1 year $15 million contract
This signing happened so long ago I completely forgot about it. It was one of the first moves of the offseason as he signed with the Braves on November 24th. As a Mets fan I hated seeing Morton going to a division rival because the 37-year-old veteran is still a very good pitcher. He will be a solid #2-#3 option for the Braves this season that will help a lot, especially for a Braves rotation that is young and has not proved much yet.
LHP Drew Smyly signs a 1 year $11 million contract
Another veteran signing to add depth for the Braves starting rotation. Smyly has been inconsistent so far through his 7 year career, but played well in his limited amount of games last season in San Francisco. In 7 games, and 5 starts, Smyly went 0-1 with a 3.42 ERA and had 42 strikeouts. Smyly will be a good option to close out the Braves starting rotation.
LF Adam Duval signs a 1 year $5 million contract with Miami
The Braves lose their power hitting outfielder to a division rival and I would say it was a bad move to lose Duval. Duval had his best season in Atlanta last year, though he has been on the team for only two and half years. Duval was able to hit 16 home runs and bring in 33 runs last season. The Braves will miss a guy like Duval, who has some nice power whenever he connects with the ball.
Projected Lineup:
C: Travis d’Arnaud’s
1B: Freddie Freeman
2B: Ozzie Albies
3B: Austin Riley
SS: Dansby Swanson
LF: Marcell Ozuna
CF: Cristian Pache
RF: Ronald Acuna Jr.
Projected Rotation
1. Max Fried
2. Charlie Morton
3. Mike Soroka
4. Ian Anderson
5. Drew Smyly
Offseason Grade: A-
2021 Prediction:
What is there to say about the Braves that hasn’t already. They are the favorites to win the NL East and there is no doubt in my mind that they will. They have some of the best hitters in baseball with Freddie Freeman, Ronald Acuna, and Marcell Ozuna, plus some very good pitching in Max Fired, Charlie Morton, and Ian Anderson. There is no doubt in my mind that the Atlanta Braves will repeat as NL East Champs.
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Previous Offseason Breakdowns:
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