Today’s the day that Ronald Acuña Jr. gets the good or bad news. While I won’t name my source, word on the street is that there could be some significant time missed if the initial screenings turn out to be true. All offseason, the Braves have keep their position player 40-man roster remarkably small, with only 13 being position players. Of the 13, there are 4 OFers outside of Acuña, and those are Michael Harris II, Jarred Kelenic, J.P. Martinez, and Forrest Wall. While this collection is fine, there’s a lot of uncertainty. Jordan Luplow is also in camp and could provide a decent platoon should Acuña have to go on the shelf, but no matter who takes the spot, it’ll be a far cry from Acuña. Also, there’s some uncertainty surrounding Kelenic. While I loved the buy-low on him, his .746 OPS from last year and career .656 OPS is hardly a prelude to parade, especially when factoring in that his lifetime OPS against LHP is .566.
In today’s piece, we will look at some players that could be had via free agency that could fill in for Acuña should he hit the IL, then provide insurance for Kelenic should old troubles find him again.
Free Agent Outfielders
- Corey Dickerson (35)
- Adam Duvall (35)
- Robbie Grossman (34)
- Austin Meadows (29)
- Brad Miller (34)
- Tommy Pham (36)
- AJ Pollock (36)
- Eddie Rosario (32)
- Raimel Tapia (30)
- Michael A. Taylor (33)
- Kole Calhoun (36)
- Wil Myers (33)
When looking for an external candidate to play everyday for a bit, then become a utility of sorts, AA would likely be looking for a player that could cover at least 2 of the 3 OF positions fairly well defensively and hold their own with the stick. The most obvious answer on this list is Adam Duvall, whom the Braves know well and love.
From there, Michael Taylor would be a strong fit. While his overall offensive numbers aren’t great, he’s a strong hitter against LHP and likely provides the best defense of all the candidates.
While he’s well known for being a prick, Pham can still play all 3 OF positions and his career splits show he’s capable of hitting RHP and LHPs. However, I have a feeling that Pham was considered at last year’s deadline but the players wanted no part of him.
AA could also go the trade route and/or pick up someone that gets cut from camp. However, I’ve got a feeling that if the Acuña news is less than desirable, he will want to act quickly.
Who would be your choice?
It’s an interesting day to evaluate RAJ. Wheeler gets an extension at $42M AAV, and my first thought was RAJ’s contract. And then I’m reminded that he’s experienced his 3rd knee injury in 5 seasons. I would probably sign Duvall and be done with it, and I’m almost selfishly wanting him to be out a couple months not only so he’s maybe fresh for the playoffs, but also to continue to quiet the noise that he’s been swindled on his contract. For the life of his contract, it’s very possible that he only plays in about 60-70% of his team’s games.
I think with this incident, we need to understand that at least a limiting or nagging knee condition is here with Ronald as he is with the Braves.
I have seen info as to which Ryan “had a source,” so unfortunately, reading this has made me more downcast.
Meniscus tear, bone on bone, etc. is part and parcel of a surgically repaired knee. The question is exactly how bad is this and how successful is the usual “fix.”
This news absolutely knocks out the “Acuna extension” thoughts I had. But, I will still indicate my idea from a couple of weeks ago.
Take that number which represents his contracts impact on the Braves CBT payroll (let’s say that is 17 million). What I would have offered is to extend for 10 years beyond the second option at whatever that number is, with a full opt out after the second current option. That would backstop him on minimum, not increase Braves luxury tax calculations, and not underpay for the future years (because he could opt out).
why would acuña sign up to be even further underpaid for an even longer period of time? I think even AA would be embarrassed to present an offer like this.
So…the elephant in the room question. Did winter ball in Venezuela help lead to this? If so, will the Braves prevent him from playing in anything that’s not approved by the team going forward?
While the Braves have openly stated they support Acuña’s desire to play in his home country, the Braves are the team that pay him the real $ and it’s not secret that he’s their biggest investment.
How are we defining significant time? My initial reaction to the news was he’d end up with a scope and be out until mid May.
I think that’s what we’re talking about, yes. A meniscus tear and maybe he’s out until the first of June in a worst case, or something like that. There’s nothing to indicate we’re talking about a full season here or anything.
via GIPHY
https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/39657746/braves-expect-ronald-acuna-jr-ready-opening-day
some good news for sure
ok, here’s the next question. What if we get 2022 Acuna instead of 2023 Acuna?
Gray and Giolitto fighting injuries. Maybe Sale is the most durable of the guys we could have had (except maybe Nola).
I wouldn’t worry too much about 2022 Acuna. That was an anomaly due to severely decreased ROM in the knee that altered his swing. If he has some soreness, I would DH him more and tell him not to steal 2nd and 3rd while we’re up 4-0 and Olson is gonna homer him in anyway.
That’s the hope, for sure. There is always a chance that Sale is the only one (including Nola) still pitching at the end of the season. Fingers crossed.
I’m still concerned about SP depth, but if Ian Anderson could rediscover himself, that would be a big help. He’s one of my X-factors for the season. I was glad to see DOB write about him positively, even though this wasn’t even a “best shape of his life” story.
https://theathletic.com/5313750/2024/03/04/braves-ian-anderson-comeback/
New thread.