The Atlanta Braves were billed as a contender heading into 2014 after an excellent 2013 season that saw them win 96 games and the NL East. Unfortunately, the wheels came off a bit during 2014. The team suffered some injuries, players underperformed, and the team finished a dismal 79-83.
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It was the first time since 2008 that the team failed to win at least 86 games, and based on their offseason moves, the Braves may have another rough season in store in 2015. The Braves already traded away Jason Heyward and Justin Upton, and they just completed another deal in which they dealt power-hitting catcher Evan Gattis.
The Braves received prospects back in all three deals, which signifies a bright future for the team if they can develop the young players, but it is not likely to help them significantly in 2015. According to Fox Sports, there may even be more moves on the way.
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The team may look to move star closer Craig Kimbrel to see what they can get for him. Contending teams always need bullpen help, and Kimbrel has been the most dominant closer in baseball over the last few years. His talents would be wasted on a Braves team that is apparently not looking to contend again just yet.
Kimbrel may not move soon, as the market for relievers generally heats up in June and July once the contenders have started to separate themselves from the pack, but a deal would seem to make sense for Atlanta. They would be selling high on a great player, and they would be able to receive more promising youngsters in return.
The offseason moves could be aimed at positioning the team to be a championship contender in a few years when their new ballpark open. The Braves will start playing in their new stadium in 2017, and nothing fills out seats in a new ballpark like a winning team.
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