The Atlanta Braves have a tough offseason test ahead of them, but what does general manager Alex Anthopoulos think about the matter?
Anthopoulos has done a masterful job crafting this Braves team in his image, and signing a number of big-name players before they enter their walk year. That fact has been key as it pertains to signing said players below market value.
The likes of Matt Olson, Ronald Acuña, Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley and more would make more than their current contracts suggest on the open market. Instead, Anthopoulos locked them up early.
The one holdout has been shortstop Dansby Swanson, who will be a free agent this offseason. Swanson performed admirably this year, and goes by ‘the sheriff’ in Atlanta’s clubhouse. He’d be a major loss, in similar fashion to Freddie Freeman, if he were to leave the Braves.
What did Alex Anthopoulos say about Braves offseason?
Anthopoulos expressed disappointment with how Atlanta’s season ended, in similar fashion to Brian Snitker, but also had an eye towards the future. As for Swanson, Anthopoulos wants to keep him in Atlanta, if possible:
“He gets better every year,” Anthopoulos said. “You can look at his stats and he’s always been a good teammate, but I think he rose to new levels. I told him that as well. I’ve been impressed with him across the board. He’s as good a teammate as you’re going to find.”
Anthopoulos also reference some previous reporting on Swanson’s contract negotiations, saying that it’s true.
The “reports” he referenced were just stories about both sides having interest (there were a few). Dansby Swanson has been quoted as saying he would love to be back, and the Braves have publicly said they would want to keep him.
— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) October 16, 2022
Said reports have only suggested that Swanson wants to be back in Atlanta, and the Braves would love to have him.
Anthopoulos failed to comment on how likely a reunion would be, which is smart on his accord, especially after what happened with Freeman just last winter.
