Alex Anthopoulos is making big moves this offseason, and the Braves are not holding back. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the team is in talks with the White Sox for Dylan Cease, who is a hot commodity because of his team control for the next couple of years.
This isn’t just casual interest either. Jon Morosi recently reported that the Braves are in the running for Cease and are considered a “finalist.” This news follows a reported offer of $162 million over six years to Aaron Nola, which would have been the richest free-agent contract in Braves history. Anthopoulos means business this winter, and he’s not shying away from pursuing top talent.
.@PJStiz makes his pitch to Shohei Ohtani to join the Atlanta #Braves .#ForTheA | @Braves pic.twitter.com/C3RhrJZvNi
— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) November 29, 2023
But the headline-grabber might be the potential pursuit of Shohei Ohtani. According to Jon Morosi, Ohtani is “intrigued” by the idea of playing for the Braves. Former GM Steve Phillips even suggested that Atlanta is a realistic landing spot for Ohtani because of his desire to play for a contender.
While landing Ohtani might seem like a stretch, it’s not as far-fetched as it once seemed. The Braves, known for not splurging on mega contracts, could make an exception. As a publicly traded company, the Braves have financial considerations, but if anyone can see the value Ohtani brings, it’s Terry McGuirk, who sets Anthopoulos’s budget.
Shohei Ohtani is more than just a player; he’s his own economic force. With a massive following wherever he goes, he could essentially pay for himself. While it’s not a sure thing, it’s not as impossible as some Braves fans might believe. The Braves have the setup to compete for championships consistently, making them an attractive destination for players of Ohtani’s caliber.
