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Atlanta Braves: Following the sanctions, it’s time to bring on the future we were promised

By Wesley Wilcox

ATLANTA - SEPTEMBER 11: Detail of the commemorative logo on the jumbotron honoring the victims of the 9-11-01 terror attacks before the second game of a MLB double-header between the Atlanta Braves and the New York Mets on September 11, 2002 at Turner Field in Atlanta, Georgia. The Mets shut out the Braves 5-0. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
ATLANTA - SEPTEMBER 11: Detail of the commemorative logo on the jumbotron honoring the victims of the 9-11-01 terror attacks before the second game of a MLB double-header between the Atlanta Braves and the New York Mets on September 11, 2002 at Turner Field in Atlanta, Georgia. The Mets shut out the Braves 5-0. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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After the Atlanta Braves were hit with sanctions on the international market, it’s time to focus on the future

Hello Braves Country, and welcome to the future of the organization that we were solemnly promised four years ago. In case you haven’t heard, the commissioner of Major League Baseball, Rob Manfred, stripped the Atlanta Braves of some of their top international prospects after former General Manager, John Coppolella illegally bundled their contracts to play for the Braves.

While many have seen this sanction as an example to the rest of the MLB, I look at this as the time has finally arrived for the Atlanta Braves to show the fans this so called “future” we were promised. After trading away some of the teams most beloved players, and building one of the best farm systems in all of baseball, it’s time to put their money where their mouths are.

Following some of the worst season’s in organizational history, the Braves have introduced some of the faces that will return Atlanta to their rightful throne amongst some of the National League’s elite. With players the likes of Dansby Swanson, Ozzie Albies, and the white hot Ronald Acuna, the Braves time to strike is now.

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As we head into 2018, the entire league will be doubting the Braves even more after losing some of their most prominent prospects, but ladies and gents, not so fast. Winter is coming (sorry, only time this has ever seemed relevant), and with it brings fresh opportunities for the front office, and the new General Manager Alex Anthopoulos to make a splash in free agency.

While the Braves will return their core infield, and they will also return their young arms that were thrusted into the starting rotation sporadically last season, the Braves will only need a piece or two this winter. Contrary to public opinion, I am a firm believer that the Braves will have to restock their bullpen if we are talking about any kind of noise being made out of SunTrust Park in 2018.

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Mr. Anthopoulos is walking into a dream scenario where he can make all of the pieces fall into place, and make the Braves a true contender for the postseason in 2018. With free agency comes opportunity for any team with cap space to bring in a game changer. As for the Braves, combining our new General Manager with young talent, and cap space, well, that sounds like something exciting is on its way in 2018.

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