ATLANTA - As the Braves prepare for spring training, they are faced with the same primary questions as the offseason began.
Freddie Freeman's future is still undetermined, and it remains to be seen whether some of the Braves' postseason heroes will return to help Atlanta defend their World Series crown.
Take a look at the top five questions facing the Braves:
1. Will Freeman return?
When the lockout began, the Braves and Freeman had not made any significant progress in their talks. Now, after a few months of inactivity, the 2020 National League MVP may need to make a quick decision. Is it in favor of the Braves, who are banking on Freeman's desire to stay in Atlanta, truncating all other options? Or is there a possibility that the Southern California native ended up with the Dodgers? With the universally designated hitter, there may be room for a sudden slugger in some other NL clubs.
It's hard to imagine the Braves without Freeman. But once the free-agent process began, it became clear that his return to Atlanta was no longer a guarantee.
2. How will the outfield be constructed?
With Guillermo Heredia awarded a one-year, $1 million contract and Adam Duvall being tendered in late November, the Braves also learned Marcel Ozuna would be eligible for the start of the 2022 season. This gives them an early outfield trio until Ronald Acuna Jr. returns from right knee surgery, possibly within the first 4–6 weeks of the season.
At the time, Ozuna could be used as a DH. So, too, World Series MVP George Soler, if he were to be signed again. But Ozuna's return seems to reduce the chances of the return of both Soler and NL Championship Series MVP Eddie Rosario. It is more likely to be one or the other.
The existence of a DH could also ease concerns about potential wear and tear if Duvall is asked to serve as the team's primary center fielder. Acuña may spend time in the center, but may wish to keep her out of position as he returns from a torn right ACL.
3. Is there enough rotation depth?
The Braves could start the season with Charlie Morton, Max Fried and Ian Anderson leading their rotation. But there is a chance the club will take a cautious approach with Morton recovering from a fractured right fibula in Game 1 of the World Series.
Even though Morton enters the regular season without any restrictions, he joins Fried and Anderson as the sole rotation lock. Kyle Wright, Huaskar Yonoa, Tucker Davidson, Toukie Toussaint and Kyle Muller are all internal candidates to fill the last two spots. But it may be wise to add experience to the mix by trying to sign an experienced starter.
4. How deep is the relief duct?
"Night Shift" - Featuring Will Smith, Tyler Matzek, A.J. Minter and Luke Jackson - will return with what is expected to be as impressive and believable as last year's postseason. If Kirby Yates recovers from Tommy John surgery, he could strengthen the bullpen during the second half of the season.
Along with Yates, the Braves added experienced depth by acquiring Jay Jackson from the Giants. The club's inner depths also include Jacob Webb, Sean Newcomb and the touted Prospect Spencer Strider. Yonoa and Muller can also become valuable bullpen pieces if they don't find a place in the rotation.
5. Who will fill the bench?
Along with Heredia Back, the Braves have one of the most enthusiastic and energetic personalities in the game. The veteran can also serve as a fourth outfielder. Orlando Arcia will return as a backup infielder. Along with being a versatile defender, he provides some power capability to the bench.
Archaea's former Brewers teammate, Manny Pina, signed with the Braves to be their backup catcher. His presence will take some of the tension off veteran Travis D'Arnaud.
The Braves may try to re-sign Ehir Adrienza, who solidified his bench last year as a versatile defender and switch-hitter.
As for the need for a power-hitting pinch-hitter, that would lessen with DH. But if the Braves decide to go this route, a free agent like Brad Miller might be interested.