3 Moves Braves Can Make to Win World Series Next Season

The Atlanta Braves have been getting after it this offseason, signing more free agents than any other MLB club thus far, nabbing the relievers they've long needed.

General manager Alex Anthopoulos' early splash was unquestionably highlighted by inking Will Smith, arguably the best relief pitcher on the market, to a three-year, $39 million contract.

Additionally, Atlanta has signed catcher Travis d'Arnaud, outfielder Nick Markakis, catcher Tyler Flowers, and reliever Chris Martin. There is, however, more work to be done, so let's highlight a few more moves the Braves can make that will catapult them to World Series favorites in 2020.

3. Sign Howie Kendrick

World Series - Washington Nationals v Houston Astros - Game Seven / Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

We're not so sure that there was a greater story this postseason than the inability of big-league pitchers to get Kendrick out. The Braves' startling lineup is one of the best in baseball, but they lack an elite bench. Signing their NL East foe would provide excellent depth, as he feasted in the same division with the Nationals in 2019, hitting 344/.395/.572 with 17 HR, 62 RBI, and a .966 OPS. This is not to mention, of course, that he carries an invaluable clutch gene.

2. Re-Sign Josh Donaldson or Sign Mike Moustakas

Divisional Series - St Louis Cardinals v Atlanta Braves - Game Five / Todd Kirkland/Getty Images

Donaldson might be turning 34 in December, but he proved in 2019 that he should still be respected as one of the most feared sluggers in the game. Across 155 games, the former AL MVP hit .259/.379/.521 with 37 home runs and 94 RBI. Those numbers will produce a plethora of teams in the market for his services, so the Braves could miss out on re-signing him when push comes to shove. If they whiff or pass, free agent Mike Moustakas would personify a viable second choice, as he posted a .254/.329/.516 line alongside 35 home runs and 87 RBI with the Brewers last season. Their numbers are extremely comparable, and Atlanta should prioritize bringing one of them aboard for 2020.

1. Sign a World-Beating Ace

San Diego Padres v San Francisco Giants / Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

It's widely presumed that Atlanta will pursue a high-end starter this winter, right? Well, if not, then they need to get their priorities straight. Signing one of Stephen Strasburg, Gerrit Cole, perfect fit Madison Bumgarner, or Georgia native Zack Wheeler should be paramount. That's obviously easier said than done, as all of those hurlers will likely command steep salaries, but the Braves can't afford (pun intended) to keep falling short in October. Bumgarner or Wheeler seem more likely than Cole or Strasburg, but we also didn't expect Anthopoulos to go on as significant of a shopping spree has he has already. At this rate, anything is possible.