Great analysis and article. 27 outs… it’s all that matters. In the game today, how you get them is changing and I give the Braves a lot of credit for adjusting in 2026. SPs are still extremely critical, but the injury risk (look around the league right now) and cost are out-of-whack. It struck me when Fried signed an 8 yr, $218 million comtract. I really wanted to see Fried stay in a Braves uniform. But, when you do the math… it’s a no-brainer to spread your investment over a greater number of arms and build flexibilty. The math: Assume Fried (not picking on Fried, it was close to a market contract) provides an average of 150 IP over the next 8 years. That’s $180k/IP. That investment could provide 5-6 quality arms?
They're not perfect - no front office is - but I do think the Braves have done a good job of building a contending team that has a high floor without catastrophic and unprecedented injuries getting in the way.
Quite an elaborate article. You clearly have great admiration for AA et al. With McGuirk having his finger deep in the workings of the front office, I'm not sure I feel as confident - but given their great start to 2026 I am willing to give AA the applause he may be due. It may be that the best decision he made was hiring Weiss and a new pitching coach.
I really wish someone (you?) would do a retrospective (4 years?) tally of roster decisions (FA signings, trades, minor leaguers promoted, player extensions, players released or DFA'd). An ongoing tally for all MLB teams would be fascinating to follow and compare but would need a dedicated staff, I imagine. Just comparing the Braves to the Phillies over the past 4 years would be interesting. I'm sure AI could help.
Yes. I'm not sure of the best format but one that makes sense to me and would be doable is assigning a value to various decisions. For example: FA signing that is highly successful (e.g. Dodgers signing Ohatani) = 5pts. Diminishing pts for less success or a negative value if a bust. A trade that is highly successful (e.g. Braves getting Sale) = 5pts. And so on for success or failure of prospect promotion, player extensions, decisions on player release or DFA's. Then for a given year (or four years) you total things up and have a rough comparison of Front Office performances.
Great analysis and article. 27 outs… it’s all that matters. In the game today, how you get them is changing and I give the Braves a lot of credit for adjusting in 2026. SPs are still extremely critical, but the injury risk (look around the league right now) and cost are out-of-whack. It struck me when Fried signed an 8 yr, $218 million comtract. I really wanted to see Fried stay in a Braves uniform. But, when you do the math… it’s a no-brainer to spread your investment over a greater number of arms and build flexibilty. The math: Assume Fried (not picking on Fried, it was close to a market contract) provides an average of 150 IP over the next 8 years. That’s $180k/IP. That investment could provide 5-6 quality arms?
They're not perfect - no front office is - but I do think the Braves have done a good job of building a contending team that has a high floor without catastrophic and unprecedented injuries getting in the way.
And as you pointed out, I think Weiss brings a more flexible approach than Braves had last year.
Quite an elaborate article. You clearly have great admiration for AA et al. With McGuirk having his finger deep in the workings of the front office, I'm not sure I feel as confident - but given their great start to 2026 I am willing to give AA the applause he may be due. It may be that the best decision he made was hiring Weiss and a new pitching coach.
I really wish someone (you?) would do a retrospective (4 years?) tally of roster decisions (FA signings, trades, minor leaguers promoted, player extensions, players released or DFA'd). An ongoing tally for all MLB teams would be fascinating to follow and compare but would need a dedicated staff, I imagine. Just comparing the Braves to the Phillies over the past 4 years would be interesting. I'm sure AI could help.
Let me look into that. Like breaking down the major decisions he made?
Yes. I'm not sure of the best format but one that makes sense to me and would be doable is assigning a value to various decisions. For example: FA signing that is highly successful (e.g. Dodgers signing Ohatani) = 5pts. Diminishing pts for less success or a negative value if a bust. A trade that is highly successful (e.g. Braves getting Sale) = 5pts. And so on for success or failure of prospect promotion, player extensions, decisions on player release or DFA's. Then for a given year (or four years) you total things up and have a rough comparison of Front Office performances.