Atlanta Braves not done spending this offseason

The Atlanta Braves have already made a pair of moves this offseason, but they are not done spending on the roster.

There comes in a time in every rebuild where a team has to decide that is time to spend. Once that core of younger players is in place, and extensions have been handed it, those roster weaknesses have to be addressed. Even the Atlanta Braves, who have won the NL East in each of the past two years, need to spend to supplement their impressive young core.

After splurging on Josh Donaldson last year, the Braves have upped the ante and opened the vaults even further. Thus far, that money has gone to upgrading the bullpen, with Chris Martin and Darren O’Day having been retained, and former Giants closer Will Smith being brought in on a three year deal. Considering that the bullpen was the biggest hole for the Braves last year, Atlanta has certainly done their best to upgrade the relief corps.

While the Braves were done relatively early in free agency last year, that may not be the case this offseason. Instead, Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei indicated that the Braves are not done after those signings, but that they have more money to spend.

More from Call to the Pen

• Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
• Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
• Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
• Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
• 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals

This would appear to be the time to open the vaults. After a four year absence from the postseason, the Braves were the surprising NL East champions in 2018, and successfully defended their crown last year. However, they have also been eliminated in the first round of the postseason in both of those years.

It is now time for the Braves to change that narrative. In filling out the bullpen, both in free agency and with their trade deadline acquisitions of Mark Melancon and Shane Greene, Atlanta has the bullpen they need. Now the front office can focus their attention elsewhere.

There are still holes on the roster. The Braves could potentially use another starting pitcher if they do not feel the prospects are ready, and third base is open. A reunion with Donaldson is a possibility, and the Braves could also look at Mike Moustakas to fill that void. The Braves have also reportedly checked in on Marcell Ozuna, although that may be a more difficult fit in the lineup.

The Atlanta Braves have already spent to upgrade the bullpen this offseason. According to ownership, that spending is not done just yet.