Battery Power: All Posts by Kris WillisYour one stop shop for everything Atlanta Braveshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52890/favicon-32x32..png2024-03-28T10:00:00-04:00https://www.batterypower.com/authors/kris-willis/rss2024-03-28T10:00:00-04:002024-03-28T10:00:00-04:00Battery Power TV: Spencer Strider ready to roll, Jesse Chavez returns as Atlanta Braves open 2024
<figure>
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v New York Mets - Game Two" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/VyD0UQKPx8mJ6Nxpeb0udWydXJQ=/0x0:3139x2093/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73238657/1865831200.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Grant McAuley and Kris Willis catch up on all of the latest Atlanta Braves news in advance of Opening Day. </p> <p id="0YZuSN">The 2024 season is upon us and the <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/">Atlanta Braves</a> get things started where last season ended, opening up with a rematch against the NL East rival <a href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/">Philadelphia Phillies</a>.</p>
<p id="GMMLHu">Spencer Strider gets the ball on Opening Day, which was shifted from Thursday to Friday thanks to expected inclement weather in the Philadelphia area. You’ll hear Strider’s thoughts on getting the season-opening assignment and doing so against the Phillies. </p>
<p id="iYHfTC">How will the rest of the rotation line up behind Strider on the first road trip of the year? Is Reynaldo Lopez ready to hold down the fifth starter’s job? Those are among the questions the Braves will look to answer as the 2024 campaign begins.</p>
<p id="MRP1uL">It was also another week and another old friend alert for the Braves. Jesse Chavez was the latest reunion, signing with the club after being cut loose by the <a href="https://www.southsidesox.com/">Chicago White Sox</a>. The 40-year-old veteran shared his feelings on returning to the Braves for what looks to be the 17th and final season of his well-traveled career. How does the rest of the Braves bullpen stack up with Chavez on board? That and a look at the reserves who will round out the 26-man roster.</p>
<p id="DHzJIm">Finally, we heard a special story from Ronald Acuña Jr. this week, penned for The Players’ Tribune. The reigning NL MVP shared his family roots in baseball, his passion for the game, the anguish of missing the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/world-series">World Series</a> in 2021, and so much more. We discussed this candid look behind the curtain for one of the biggest stars in baseball.</p>
<p id="QJ5ak9">Grant McAuley and Kris Willis of Battery Power cover it all as the season begins this week. Be sure to like, share, and subscribe to the channel.</p>
https://www.batterypower.com/2024/3/28/24114406/battery-power-tv-spencer-strider-jesse-chavez-return-atlanta-braves-open-2024Kris WillisGrant McAuley2024-03-27T14:47:06-04:002024-03-27T14:47:06-04:00Atlanta Braves 2024 Regular Season Schedule and Results
<figure>
<img alt="MLB: MAY 29 Marlins at Braves" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/qelSPgOIKHNzRo0MMlHIe1oS30g=/0x0:3600x2400/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73004468/1240991702.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Atlanta Braves will begin the 2024 season on Thursday, March 28 in Philadelphia against the Phillies. </p> <p id="TmRdig">The <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/">Atlanta Braves</a> will begin their quest for a seventh straight division title on Thursday, March 28 when they kick off the 2024 MLB regular season in Philadelphia against the <a href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/">Phillies</a>. The Braves will begin the season with a six-game road trip. Their home opener is set for Friday, April 5 and will begin a seven-game homestand against the <a href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Arizona Diamondbacks</a> and the <a href="https://www.amazinavenue.com/">New York Mets</a>. </p>
<p id="1Hj3kg"></p>
<div id="xEbpxl"><div data-anthem-component="table:12200174"></div></div>
https://www.batterypower.com/2023/12/28/24017671/atlanta-braves-2024-regular-season-schedule-results-time-tv-streamingKris Willis2024-03-27T14:42:21-04:002024-03-27T14:42:21-04:00Braves, Phillies Opening Day matchup postponed until Friday
<figure>
<img alt="Houston Chronicle" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/qbxnz6McJ43D1LP63RXleBTVvOk=/0x0:7753x5169/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73236918/1253783984.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Braves fans will have to wait another 24 hours for the start of the 2024 season after Thursday’s game was postponed due to rain. </p> <p id="dm1ihr">Thursday’s Opening Day matchup between the <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/">Atlanta Braves</a> and <a href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/">Philadelphia Phillies</a> has been postponed due to expected rain. The game will take place on Friday, which was a scheduled off day in case of bad weather. </p>
<div id="o2n7TK">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Braves and Phillies Opening Day game has been rescheduled for Friday <a href="https://t.co/TgJVDzb0NF">pic.twitter.com/TgJVDzb0NF</a></p>— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) <a href="https://twitter.com/mlbbowman/status/1773056809772667210?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="kh8xST">The forecast was calling for rain Wednesday and most of the day Thursday in Philadelphia so it was unlikely that the game would take place without a lengthy delay. That is something that teams look to avoid on Opening Day when possible given the high expected attendance. </p>
<p id="RslYwU">Friday’s game will stick with a 3:05 p.m. ET start time with Spencer Strider getting the start for Atlanta and Zack Wheeler for Philadelphia. </p>
https://www.batterypower.com/2024/3/27/24113843/braves-phillies-opening-day-matchup-rained-out-postponedKris Willis2024-03-27T12:00:00-04:002024-03-27T12:00:00-04:00Braves Mailbag: Playoff struggles, 2024 sleeper and more
<figure>
<img alt="Tampa Bay Rays v Atlanta Braves" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/qh3jhyizK5fx0nMQvgozQNy-YpY=/0x0:5157x3438/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73236412/2036216859.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Matthew Grimes Jr./Atlanta Braves/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>This week’s mailbag includes questions about the Braves rotation, Max Fried’s next contract, and sleeper candidates.</p> <p id="BzgXdj">Thanks to everyone that sent in questions for this week’s <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/">Atlanta Braves</a> mailbag. We will be doing more of these throughout the regular season. Let’s get to it!</p>
<p id="WJ1pN3"><strong>The Braves’ offensive approach clearly works during the regular season. Suffice to say the last two playoffs didn’t go the way we’d like. Have you heard anything about focusing a bit more on small ball, specifically the way of the bunt as an effort to offset power outages?</strong></p>
<p id="Ih2TOr">I haven’t heard anything and I certainly hope that they wouldn’t let the small sample size of two five-game series dictate any changes. It is normal to look at how the last two seasons ended for the Braves and to seek out answers. However, a change in offensive approach is not the recipe for success, and if the Braves seek one that pivots more towards anything considered “small ball,” they’ll actively be going against decades of research about how important power is, <em>especially</em> in the playoffs.</p>
<p id="zVTw7I">When the Braves won the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/world-series">World Series</a> in 2021, they out homered their opponents 23-11. That includes an 11-2 margin in the World Series against the <a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com">Astros</a>. In 2022, the Braves and <a href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/">Phillies</a> both homered five times each. All five for the Phillies came in the final two games of the series. In 2023, Philadelphia out homered Atlanta 11-3. I think it is easy to see the pattern here. Nor do you have to limit this to series the Braves play in. Historically, teams that outhomer their opponents in a game win 70 to 80 percent of the time, and that number only increases in the postseason, where better pitching and defense mean it’s harder to string hits together. If you need the research backing this up, we’ll be happy to supply it, and there’s a lot of it.</p>
<p id="1xPnsr">The Braves were by far the best offensive team in the majors in 2023. They scored 41 more runs than the second-place <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> and hit 58 more home runs than any other club. They also had the fifth-lowest strikeout rate in the majors so it isn’t like they were an all or nothing offense. There was nothing wrong with their approach to warrant changes. </p>
<p id="QfdU9L">Some people don’t want to hear it, but the losses in the Division Series just speak to the randomness of the game. That randomness is just going to increase the more the playoffs are expanded, which seems likely after the next CBA negotiations. </p>
<p id="rCg0jF">In baseball, the best team doesn’t always win. </p>
<p id="QszS7J"><strong>Who is the first Brave not named Harris to start a game in center field this season?</strong></p>
<p id="4jrH6n">The good news is that the Braves have several candidates. Adam Duvall seems like an obvious choice now that he’s back in the fold. Forrest Wall could also play there, and the Braves had Jarred Kelenic play the position multiple times during the spring. My guess is that it would be Duvall, but I’m also intrigued by the thought of putting Kelenic there as well. </p>
<p id="vfK7cw"><strong>Who is the sleeper this year that is going to exceed all expectations?</strong></p>
<p id="Q2IkvP">It is hard to find a sleeper on a roster full of stars, but I think it is going to be Michael Harris II. Harris got off to a slow start in 2023 due to injuries, but turned it on and hit .335/.360/.552 with 16 homers and a 142 wRC+ over the final 100 games. ZiPS has him projected for a 20-20 season along with a 109 wRC+ and 3.7 fWAR. With a fully healthy season, I think he sails past those totals, makes his first All-Star team and wins his first career Gold Glove. The latter might be tough given how many good defenders there are in center field these days, but it’s not like they give that award to the best defender every time, anyway.</p>
<p id="HXPLII">One thing that is working in Harris’ favor is that he’s been an absolute champ at making huge, meaningful adjustments. It’s hard to pinpoint his ceiling because he just keeps growing as a hitter. </p>
<p id="i566Gc"><strong>First pitcher not named Spencer Strider, Max Fried, Charlie Morton, Chris Sale, or Reynaldo Lopez to start a game for the big league club (a bullpen type of game or a SP called up from the minors)</strong></p>
<p id="c8LuXN">An interesting question in that the answer is usually more about who is available and lined up than who really deserves it. Obviously, the Braves have plenty of options. Bryce Elder and AJ Smith-Shawver would probably be the favorites, but Allan Winans, Dylan Dodd and Darius Vines all made starts a year ago. At this point, we have no idea what the order will be at Gwinnett, but I will go with Smith-Shawver as nothing more than just a guess. I think the more appropriate question is: how many of the starters currently on the 40-man roster make starts this season?</p>
<p id="9gHjXD"><strong>Why were Darius Vines and Allan Winans optioned so early after a decent showing last season?</strong></p>
<p id="5OJSOW">Quite simply, so they could get innings. The battle for the Braves’ fifth starter spot became a two-player race pretty quickly between Reynaldo López and Bryce Elder. Atlanta gave a little bit of a longer look to AJ Smith-Shawver and Hurston Waldrep during big league camp, but barring injury, neither really ever had much of a shot of landing a spot in the rotation to begin the season. The team simply didn’t have enough innings to get everyone stretched out and ready without sending some guys to minor league camp. I wouldn’t read too much into it either. Elder and Ian Anderson were sent to minor league camp early on before the 2023 season. It didn’t end up working out for Anderson, but Elder was Gwinnett’s Opening Day starter and then quickly moved into the rotation. </p>
<p id="jYWchu"><strong>Over/Under on $180M to sign Max Fried?</strong></p>
<p id="N09Gms">If offered the deal today, I think somewhere in the neighborhood of $180 million sounds about right. If he stays relatively healthy and has a normal season before hitting the open market, then I will take the over. Barring a surprise extension, Fried is going to be one of the best starters available next winter and should draw tons of interest from the best teams in the majors. The price tag for established starters was very high this offseason and I don’t think next year will be any different. </p>
<p id="9WcoyK">Hypothesizing things about Fried’s eventual contract right now is really tough, because he’s coming off an injury-plagued year, and nothing tanks a pitcher’s propensity to get a huge contract like the potential for him to miss a bunch of time, at least in the world of hurlers not named Jacob deGrom. What he does in 2024 is going to swing his earning potential wildly one way or another, given that his 2023 was not very helpful to his quest of locking in a giant payday.</p>
<p id="CUiCTr"><strong>Do the Braves fill the remaining two slots on the 40-man with internal options or bring in someone from the outside?</strong></p>
<p id="KmEFpS">After releasing Penn Murfee on Monday and then outrighting Jackson Stephens Tuesday, the Braves actually have four open spots on their 40-man roster. That isn’t counting Angel Perdomo, who will miss all of the 2024 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, who can be placed on the 60-day Injured List which would open up an additional spot. One of those roster spots will go to Jesse Chavez prior to Opening Day Thursday. </p>
<p id="hBZvbl">The Braves don’t have to be in a rush to fill any of these spots. There is a chance someone becomes available between now and Opening Day that they take a flyer on, but having open spots gives them flexibility. If they need to add someone not currently on the 40-man roster, then they don’t have to worry about trying to get someone through waivers. It also allows them to monitor the waiver wire more aggressively once the season starts. </p>
<p id="5cmqUj"><strong>Is the team concerned about the mediocre results of Aaron Bummer thus far?</strong></p>
<p id="EqiEHs">Bummer allowed six earned runs over 8 <sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>3</sub> innings during the spring with a pretty uninspiring, 4.50+ FIP and xFIP, but I don’t think the Braves will put too much stock into those numbers when often relievers are working on things and just trying to get their innings in. Obviously, it will be something to watch if he continues to struggle, but that would also apply to several other pitchers as well. The good news is that the Braves have plenty of left-handed options available if Bummer needs to work in more low leverage situations to find his groove. </p>
<p id="hp1Yfd">Honestly, this is where having more data would be helpful, because the reason Bummer’s Grapefruit League play was so bad (aside from the small sample) was a collapsing strikeout rate, but across 39 batters faced, it’s really hard to tell whether that rate collapsed due to small sample shenanigans, or because his stuff has taken a step back. And even if stuff had taken a step back per data we don’t have, he may have just been taking it easy in March before airing it out when the games count. It’s also worth noting that his issues last year, such as they were, had to do with a bunch of walks, and he didn’t walk a bunch of guys over the past month, so there’s not much of a throughline to be drawn there.</p>
<p id="XxYCcG"><strong>If he pitches fairly well in 2024, would the Braves consider a reunion with Michael Soroka if he becomes a FA?</strong></p>
<p id="11RdX3">No way of knowing this for sure, but it isn’t like the Braves to completely close the door on anything. On the surface, it appears that Soroka and the Braves parted ways on good terms. Soroka allowed two earned runs and struck out 17 over 13 innings this spring for the <a href="https://www.southsidesox.com/">White Sox</a>. As I mentioned above with Bummer, it is dangerous to read too much into spring numbers, but Soroka appears to be ticketed to begin the season in the White Sox rotation and there is a chance that the Braves see him during the second series of the season in Chicago. </p>
<p id="6cyKfr">If Soroka still had options remaining, there there is chance he’d still be with Atlanta. Hopefully now that he is further removed from that second Achilles injury, he can stay healthy and put together a productive season before entering free agency. </p>
https://www.batterypower.com/2024/3/27/24112676/atlanta-braves-mailbag-playoff-struggles-2024-sleeper-michael-harrisKris Willis2024-03-26T19:58:13-04:002024-03-26T19:58:13-04:00Updated Atlanta Braves Roster
<figure>
<img alt="San Diego Padres v Atlanta Braves" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hEzgd_K396URLfM2qxdTSaJBEgU=/0x29:1901x1296/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61979821/669129862.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>An updated look at the Braves 40-man Roster.</p> <p id="PsjJfU">We will be tracking every Braves roster move here from the start of spring through Opening Day so be sure to check back for updates.</p>
<p id="D31aMB"><em>Last updated 3/26/24</em></p>
<p id="H3jar1"><em>If you are on a mobile device then this table is best viewed in landscape mode.</em></p>
<div id="qaL3Hz"><div data-anthem-component="table:1945162"></div></div>
<p id="cHusJn"><em>*Denotes Player not on active roster</em></p>
<h3 id="rtOzhn"><strong>Transactions</strong></h3>
<p id="MRgL6r">3/26 - <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2024/3/26/24112961/atlanta-braves-roster-move-jesse-chavez-opening-day-roster-jackson-stephens">The Braves outrighted RHP Jackson Stephens to Gwinnett</a>. </p>
<p id="sQRrcy">3/25 - <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2024/3/25/24111517/atlanta-braves-release-reliever-penn-murfee">Atlanta released RHP Penn Murfee</a>. </p>
<p id="T0ytYm">3/25 - <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2024/3/25/24111293/atlanta-braves-sign-jesse-chavez-to-minor-league-deal-spring-training#comments">The Braves signed RHP Jesse Chavez to a minor league deal and invited him to Spring Training</a>. </p>
<p id="JIzrgs">3/18 - <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2024/3/18/24105186/atlanta-braves-spring-training-roster-final-cuts-opening-day-roster-2024">Atlanta reassigned C Drake Baldwin, C Chadwick Tromp, INF David Fletcher, INF Andrew Velazquez, INF Luke Williams and OF Eli White to minor league camp</a>. </p>
<p id="ppMsHZ">3/18 - <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2024/3/18/24104711/atlanta-braves-option-bryce-elder-huascar-ynoa-to-triple-a">The Braves optioned RHP Bryce Elder and RHP Huascar Ynoa to Gwinnett</a>. </p>
<p id="pyp9ju">3/14 - <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2024/3/14/24101413/atlanta-braves-release-jordan-luplow">Atlanta released OF Jordan Luplow</a>. </p>
<p id="FfTr3o">3/14 - <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2024/3/14/24100926/atlanta-braves-sign-adam-duvall-one-year-deal">The Braves signed OF Adam Duvall to a one-year deal</a>. </p>
<p id="uOByLJ">3/12 - <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/24098957/braves-option-nacho-alvarez-jr-two-others-to-the-minor-league-camp-atlanta-braves">Atlanta reassigned INF Nacho Alvarez Jr., INF Luke Waddell and OF Luis Liberato to minor league camp</a>. </p>
<p id="ekUi72">3/11 - <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2024/3/11/24097115/atlanta-braves-option-a-j-smith-shawver-gwinnett-reassign-sebastian-rivero">The Braves optioned RHP A.J. Smith Shawver to Gwinnett and reassigned C Sebastian Rivero to minor league camp</a>.</p>
<p id="ed9Wki">3/8 - <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2024/3/8/24094843/hurston-waldrep-reassigned-to-minor-league-camp">Atlanta reassigned RHP Hurston Waldrep to minor league camp</a>.</p>
<p id="Z9UkNc">3/8 - <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2024/3/8/24094312/atlanta-braves-reassign-ken-giles-minor-league-camp-option-ray-kerr-j-p-martinez">The Braves reassigned RHP Ken Giles to minor league camp and optioned LHP Ray Kerr and OF J.P. Martinez to Gwinnett.</a></p>
<p id="XvWQ7T">3/5 - <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2024/3/5/24091671/braves-spring-training-roster-cuts">Atlanta reassigned RHP Grant Holmes, RHP Jake Walsh, INF Phillip Evans, INF Leury Garcia and INF Alejo Lopez to minor league camp</a>. </p>
<p id="EiOlGw">3/4 - <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2024/3/4/24090701/braves-spring-training-news-roster-cuts">The Braves optioned RHP Ian Anderson, LHP Dylan Dodd, RHP Daysbel Hernandez, RHP Darius Vines and RHP Allan Winans to Triple A. Additionally, Atlanta reassigned LHP Ben Bowden, RHP Tommy Doyle and C Tyler Tove to minor league camp</a>.</p>
<p id="bumm1n">2/29 - <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2024/2/29/24086462/atlanta-braves-spring-training-roster-hayden-harris-taylor-widener-reassigned-minor-league-camp">Atlanta announced that LHP Hayden Harris and RHP Taylor Widener were reassigned to minor league camp</a>. </p>
<p id="UIJ33q">2/2 - <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2024/2/2/24059138/atlanta-braves-spring-training-invitees-hurston-waldrep-ignacio-alvarez">The Braves announced a list of 23 non-roster invitees for Spring Training.</a></p>
<p id="6Ozolx">1/26 - <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2024/1/26/24051662/braves-rangers-trade-jp-martinez-tyler-owens">Atlanta acquired OF J.P. Martinez from the Texas Rangers in exchange for RHP Tyler Owens</a></p>
<p id="4ZFOJT">1/5 - <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2024/1/5/24027389/atlanta-braves-sign-luis-guillorme-avoid-arbitration-with-huascar-ynoa">The Braves agreed to a one-year contract with INF Luis Guillorme and avoided arbitration with RHP Huascar Ynoa</a>. </p>
<p id="Y3zhjK">12/30 - <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2023/12/30/24019955/atlanta-braves-to-acquire-chris-sale">Atlanta acquired LHP Chris Sale and cash from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for INF Vaughn Grissom</a>. </p>
<p id="3q5tnk">12/18 - <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2023/12/18/24006324/atlanta-braves-release-matt-carpenter">The Braves released INF Matt Carpenter</a>.</p>
<p id="DP23mx">12/15 - <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2023/12/15/24003569/atlanta-braves-offseason-trade-ray-kerr-matt-carpenter">Atlanta acquired LHP Ray Kerr, INF Matt Carpenter and cash considerations from the Padres in exchange for outfielder Drew Campbell</a>.</p>
<p id="VfI75E">12/13 - <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2023/12/13/24000221/atlanta-braves-outright-david-fletcher-to-gwinnett">The Braves outrighted INF David Fletcher to Gwinnett</a></p>
<p id="eOHWYN">12/9 - <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2023/12/9/23995124/mlb-trade-news-max-stassi-braves-white-sox">Atlanta traded C Max Stassi and cash to the Chicago White Sox for a player to be named later</a>.</p>
<p id="wZuvEH">12/8 - <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2023/12/8/23994308/atlanta-braves-trade-rumors-david-fletcher-max-stassi-evan-white-tyler-thomas">The Braves acquired INF David Fletcher and C Max Stassi from the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for INF Evan White and RHP Tyler Thomas</a></p>
<p id="cSJlvt">12/7 - <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2023/12/7/23992430/atlanta-braves-free-agency-roster-moves-angel-perdomo-evan-white">Atlanta signed LHP Angel Perdomo to a one-year, non-guaranteed split contract and outrighted</a></p>
<p id="GcvO0a">12/5 - <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2023/12/5/23990155/atlanta-braves-news-trade-marco-gonzales-offseason-rumors-cash-pirates-player-to-be-named-later">The Braves traded LHP Marco Gonzales to the Pittsburgh Pirates for a player to be named later</a>.</p>
<p id="cjEz1j">12/3 - <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2023/12/3/23987164/atlanta-braves-acquire-jarred-kelenic-marco-gonzales-evan-white-from-mariners">Atlanta acquired OF Jarred Kelenic, LHP Marco Gonzales and INF Evan White from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for RHP Jackson Kowar and RHP Cole Phillips</a>.</p>
<p id="vXw2V2">11/29 - <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2023/11/29/23982058/atlanta-braves-sign-penn-murfee-jackson-stephens">The Braves signed RHP Penn Murfee and RHP Jackson Stephens to one-year, non-guaranteed split contracts for the 2024 season</a>. </p>
<p id="LeN4XG">11/20 - <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2023/11/20/23969295/atlanta-braves-sign-reynaldo-lopez-to-a-three-year-26-million-deal">Atlanta signed RHP Reynaldo Lopez to a three-year deal worth $26 million</a>. </p>
<p id="Vf6Cf5">11/17 - <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2023/11/17/23966387/atlanta-braves-non-tender-seven-players-including-michael-tonkin-and-chadwick-tromp">The Braves non-tendered LHP Kolby Allard, RHP Yonny Chirinos, RHP Penn Murfee, LHP Angel Perdomo, RHP Michael Tonkin, C Chadwick Tromp and INF Lucas Williams</a>. </p>
<p id="BUJ0eG">11/17 - <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2023/11/17/23966333/atlanta-braves-trade-kyle-wright-royals-for-jackson-kowar-per-report">Atlanta traded RHP Kyle Wright to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for RHP Jackson Kowar</a>. </p>
<p id="iljwdx">11/17 - <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2023/11/17/23966005/atlanta-braves-trade-nick-anderson-kansas-city-royals">The Braves traded RHP Nick Anderson to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for cash considerations</a>.</p>
<p id="MZ3Tg8">11/16 - <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2023/11/17/23965055/braves-trade-aaron-bummer-white-sox-michael-soroka">Atlanta acquired LHP Aaron Bummer from the White Sox in exchange for RHP Michael Soroka, LHP Jared Shuster, INF Nicky Lopez, INF Braden Shewmake and RHP Riley Gowens</a>. </p>
<p id="64XEoE">11/14 - <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2023/11/14/23961023/atlanta-braves-claim-penn-murfee-off-waivers-from-mets-dfa-yonny-chirinos">The Braves claimed RHP Penn Murfee off waivers from the Mets and designated RHP Yonny Chirinos for assignment</a>.</p>
<p id="eADDGt">11/6 - <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2023/11/6/23949640/atlanta-braves-pick-up-charlie-morton-option-decline-options-eddie-rosario-collin-mchugh-kirby-yates">Atlanta exercised the club option for RHP Charlie Morton and declined the options on RHP Collin McHugh, RHP Kirby Yates and OF Eddie Rosario. The team also reinstated LHP Kolby Allard, RHP Nick Anderson, RHP Yonny Chirinos, LHP Dylan Lee, LHP Tyler Matzek, RHP Michael Soroka, RHP Kyle Wright and RHP Huascar Ynoa from the 60-day injured list. RHP Jackson Stephens was sent outright to Gwinnett and the club claimed LHP Angel Perdomo off of waivers from the Pirates</a>. </p>
<p id="NEj7Yl">11/5 - <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2023/11/5/23947744/atlanta-braves-decline-brad-hand-option">The Braves declined the club option for LHP Brad Hand</a></p>
<p id="ovglol">11/2 - RHP Jesse Chavez and OF Kevin Pillar filed for free agency. </p>
<p id="eH296r">11/2 - <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2023/11/2/23943228/atlanta-braves-sign-joe-jimenez-to-3-year-26-million-deal">The Braves agreed to a three-year, $26 million deal with RHP Joe Jimenez</a></p>
<p id="ZE9B0c">11/1 - <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2023/11/1/23942487/atlanta-braves-lose-sam-hilliard-on-waiver-claim-outright-ben-heller-and-andrew-velazquez">Atlanta outrighted RHP Ben Heller and INF Andrew Velazquez to Gwinnett and announced that OF Sam Hilliard was claimed off waivers by the Baltimore Orioles</a>. </p>
<p id="JUYlsi">10/25 - <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2023/10/25/23932559/atlanta-braves-sign-pierce-johnson-to-two-year-deal">The Braves agreed to a two-year deal with RHP Pierce Johnson worth a guaranteed $14.25 million</a></p>
<p id="oe20De"></p>
https://www.batterypower.com/2018/10/31/18049546/atlanta-braves-40-man-roster-updatedKris Willis2024-03-26T16:16:33-04:002024-03-26T16:16:33-04:002024 Atlanta Braves Spring Training Schedule
<figure>
<img alt="Detroit Tigers v Atlanta Braves" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1XVF4adf18GIKXDhb3k2UbdHLfU=/28x0:5815x3858/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73004267/1203545733.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Braves will begin Grapefruit League play on February 24. </p> <p id="rXQHTx">The <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/">Atlanta Braves</a> will head to North Port in mid-February to begin preparations for the 2024 MLB season. The Braves will open their Grapefruit League schedule on Saturday, February 24 on the road against the <a href="https://www.draysbay.com/">Tampa Bay Rays</a>. The Braves have 32 games scheduled and will wrap up spring camp on Tuesday, March 26 against the <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/">Minnesota Twins</a>. Major League Spring Training will also feature one “Futures Game” which will feature a matchup of team’s top prospects. Atlanta’s game will take place on Saturday, March 16 against the <a href="https://www.overthemonster.com/">Boston Red Sox</a>. </p>
<p id="wcszno"></p>
<div id="WwB3vU"><div data-anthem-component="table:12200074"></div></div>
https://www.batterypower.com/2023/12/28/24017581/2024-atlanta-braves-spring-training-schedule-time-tv-streaming-radioKris Willis2024-03-25T11:59:49-04:002024-03-25T11:59:49-04:00Braves release reliever Penn Murfee
<figure>
<img alt="Seattle Mariners v Toronto Blue Jays" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pv21xS4Xo3du8qWQAPv0WisNKjg=/0x85:2766x1929/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73231520/1487325354.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Murfee was slated to begin the season on the injured list. </p> <p id="Em3j7d">The <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/">Atlanta Braves</a> announced Monday that they have released reliever Penn Murfee from their roster. Murfee underwent Tommy John surgery last July and is expected to miss at least the first half of the 2024 season. </p>
<p id="BluNHr">The Braves originally claimed Murfee off of waivers from the <a href="https://www.amazinavenue.com/">Mets</a> on November 14. They non-tendered him three days later. He <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2023/11/29/23982058/atlanta-braves-sign-penn-murfee-jackson-stephens">re-signed on a one-year, non-guaranteed split contract on November 29</a>. </p>
<p id="8UfE5B">Murfee turned in an excellent season in 2022 where he posted a 2.99 ERA and a 3.10 FIP in 64 games and 69 1/3 innings. He appeared in 16 games at the major league level in 2023 before the injury where he allowed two earned runs in 14 innings. </p>
<p id="4G4YRV">Murfee would have been slated to begin the season on the injury list and wouldn’t have been an option until the second half of the season. Atlanta now has 37 players on their 40-man roster. </p>
<p id="bWruWn">The Braves brought back veteran reliever Jesse Chavez Monday morning on a minor league deal, but it is unclear whether or not he will figure into the bullpen picture for Opening Day on Thursday. </p>
<p id="BlBvDU"></p>
<p id="QJfcAl"></p>
https://www.batterypower.com/2024/3/25/24111517/atlanta-braves-release-reliever-penn-murfeeKris Willis2024-03-25T08:53:23-04:002024-03-25T08:53:23-04:00Braves sign Jesse Chavez to minor league deal
<figure>
<img alt="Philadelphia Phillies v Atlanta Braves" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Z07KA7XBK-pFYUe3A66wkuyJLew=/0x0:7200x4800/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73230951/1676994401.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Kevin D. Liles/Atlanta Braves/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Chavez returns to the Braves after being let go by the White Sox. </p> <p id="knVNTK">The <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/">Atlanta Braves</a> announced Monday that they have signed veteran reliever Jesse Chavez to a minor league deal and have added him to their spring roster. Chavez opted out of his contract with the White Sox over the weekend.</p>
<div id="Cxr2k5">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Braves?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Braves</a> today signed RHP Jesse Chavez to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. Atlanta now has 29 players in camp.</p>— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) <a href="https://twitter.com/Braves/status/1772242422614938027?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="wL4znk">Chavez signed a minor league deal with the White Sox in February. He appeared in seven games in the Cactus League where he allowed 12 hits and nine runs in just seven innings of work. </p>
<p id="XFGVVd">Chavez, who will turn 41 in August, has pitched well for the Braves over parts of the last three seasons. He posted a 2.14 ERA in 33 2/3 innings during Atlanta’s run to a World Series run in 2021. He put up a 2.72 ERA and a 2.89 FIP in 46 games in 2022. Chavez got off to a great start in 2023 before he was struck in the leg by a line drive off the bat of Miguel Cabrera which put him on the injured list for two months. He returned in late September but was left off the postseason roster. </p>
<p id="EW6GRO">There had been rumblings that Chavez was about to sign with the Twins after leaving the White Sox, but instead returns to Atlanta. The Braves added him to their spring roster, but it looks like it will be a long shot for him to make the Opening Day roster. </p>
https://www.batterypower.com/2024/3/25/24111293/atlanta-braves-sign-jesse-chavez-to-minor-league-deal-spring-trainingKris Willis2024-03-24T10:00:00-04:002024-03-24T10:00:00-04:00Ask Battery Power: Braves mailbag questions request
<figure>
<img alt="MLB: Atlanta Braves-Workouts" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/eVNshxLWqHXPiSuNEj4o01m_1EQ=/118x0:3570x2301/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73229364/usa_today_22528679.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Dave Nelson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Get your questions in now!</p> <p id="XLsXAt">The wait is over! The <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/">Atlanta Braves</a> will officially kick off the 2024 regular season Thursday when they make the trip to Philadelphia to take on the <a href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/">Phillies</a>. The Braves spent the offseason adding reinforcements to a roster that won 104 games in 2023. They are seeking a seventh straight NL East title, but are focused this time on getting over the hump in the postseason. With that as the backdrop, it is time for our final offseason mailbag. </p>
<p id="6Ja5fs">All questions received by Tuesday, March 26 will be considered. You can leave your submissions in the comment section below or email them to us at <strong>batterypowersbn [at] gmail [dot] com</strong>.</p>
https://www.batterypower.com/2024/3/24/24110063/ask-battery-power-braves-mailbag-questions-requestKris Willis2024-03-24T08:00:00-04:002024-03-24T08:00:00-04:00This Day in Braves History: March 24
<figure>
<img alt="83rd MLB All-Star Game" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4zqqMOP7OKlHeplwqYSIKItj2ko=/0x0:1567x1045/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73229163/148137502.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<h3 id="fzfsLH">Braves Franchise History</h3>
<p id="m6gaSc">1995 - Braves replacement player Dave Shotkoski is held up while out for a walk in West Palm Beach during spring training. Shotkoski is murdered by the assailant. Fellow replacement player Terry Blocker will help the police track down Neal Douglas Evans, who was out on parole. Evans will receive a 27-year jail sentence after entering a guilty plea. </p>
<p id="KSzuyd">2012 - Chipper Jones will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his knee and will begin his final season on the injured list. </p>
<h3 id="X7O2Ng">MLB History</h3>
<p id="O0KWEe">1933 - Babe Ruth takes a pay cut of $23,000 from his previous salary of $75,000 due to the Great Depression. </p>
<p id="aPuIRU">1959 - The Redlegs and <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Los Angeles Dodgers</a> play an exhibition game in Havana, Cuba. </p>
<p id="YdYoOT">1961 - The New York State Senate approves $55 million in funding for a new stadium to be built at Flushing Meadows Park in Queens, New York. The park will be named Shea Stadium. After playing their first two seasons at the Polo Grounds, the <a href="https://www.amazinavenue.com/">Mets</a> moved to Shea in 1964 and played there until the end of the 2008 season. </p>
<p id="lZysVv">1970 - Commissioner Bowie Kuhn orders a halt of the use of X-5 balls, which are much too lively for major league play. </p>
<p id="gtTYB5">1972 - The Reds trade pitcher Tony Cloninger to the Cardinals in exchange for second baseman Julian Javier. </p>
<p id="M2grKY">1982 - Fernando Valenzuela ends his holdout and reports to Dodgers camp. After earning just $42,500 during his rookie season, in which he won the Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards, Valenzuela had asked for a raise to $1 million, but the Dodgers renewed his contract for $350,000 instead. </p>
<p id="wXrRHf">2001 - Tim Belcher announces his retirement after 14-seasons in the majors. Belcher logged over 2,400 innings for seven teams while producing a 4.24 ERA with 1,519 strikeouts. </p>
<p id="XAWJko">2015 - Hector Olivera signs a six-year deal with the Dodgers worth $62.5 million. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="4gcNAk">
<p id="4C4rAH">Information for this article was found<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/"> <strong>via Baseball Reference</strong></a>,<a href="http://nationalpastime.com/"> <strong>NationalPastime.com</strong></a> and<a href="http://www.todayinbaseballhistory.com/"> <strong>Today in Baseball History</strong></a>.</p>
https://www.batterypower.com/2024/3/24/24105639/atlanta-braves-history-march-24Kris Willis