The Atlanta Braves could be heading into an offseason defined more by targeted adjustments than a major roster overhaul.
Despite winning the National League East, Atlanta saw its postseason run end against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL Division Series, leaving the club with another winter of questions about how to close the gap with the reigning champions. But recent history has suggested the front office won’t seek a dramatic upgrade.
Advertisement
“It may feel like the Braves need to do something drastic after losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS and failing to reach the NLCS (or World Series) for the fifth year in a row,” Ken Sugiura wrote for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “But, whether Braves fans like it or not, that’s probably not what’s going to happen. It’s just not the way that president of baseball operations and general manager Alex Anthopoulos operates.”
As the Braves evaluate their own opportunities for change with some potential limits in mind, it has now received an update involving a former All-Star starting pitcher who spent four seasons with the organization before rebuilding his career elsewhere.
Red Sox Longtime Starter Nick Pivetta Cut By New Team After Injury Setback
Last week, news broke that Michael Soroka has opted to return to the open market following a productive campaign with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Advertisement
“Right-hander Michael Soroka declined his end of a $10 million mutual option for 2027, making him a free agent,” Nick Piecoro reported. “Soroka, 29, enjoyed a strong season with the Diamondbacks, posting a 3.41 ERA with 114 strikeouts in 116 innings.”
The decision came after Soroka delivered his most productive season since his breakthrough campaign with the Braves in 2019. He went 9-5 with a 3.41 ERA and 1.09 WHIP across 22 appearances, including 21 starts, for Arizona. His 116 innings were also his highest total since that 2019 season.
Dodgers Champion, Former All-Star Joc Pederson Cuts Ties With New Team With $18 Million Move
Soroka was an All-Star in 2019, when he finished second in National League Rookie of the Year voting. Injuries, including a pair of Achilles tendon tears, interrupted his development and limited his availability during the following seasons. His return to form in Arizona has given him a fresh opportunity to test the market and he seems likely to pursue a longer-term deal with a new team.
Advertisement
“While there’s mutual interest in a reunion with the Snakes, that may be too pricey given the team’s other needs,” Anthony Franco noted for MLB Trade Rumors. “GM Mike Hazen downplayed the notion of spending big on a free agent starter … instead implying they could look to the trade market for a younger arm.”
The Diamondbacks could still bring Soroka back, but his return to free agency gives other clubs an opportunity to pursue a starter who has regained some of his earlier promise. For the Braves, who originally drafted him in 2015, his turnaround offers a reminder of the pitching talent they once developed — and a potential name to monitor as the offseason takes shape.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
