The Atlanta Braves' quiet offseason was only interrupted by the signing of Jurickson Profar. Atlanta spent the rest of their offseason shopping in the bargain aisles of free agency relying on a big step forward based on health. This is an understandable sentiment when you consider the headline names the Braves consistently lost for the 2024 season.
Still, the team ignored some clear offseason concerns while the Dodgers were loading a World Series-winning roster. To say there aren't any concerns with this Atlanta team if healthy wouldn't be completely transparent. The Braves are counting on a handful of players who are unknowns moving into this 2025 season. Starting with a player who the team needs to turn back the clock.
1. Ian Anderson
If Ian Anderson can turn back the clock and Chris Sale can remain healthy, the Braves are World Series contenders. Anderson has such a high ceiling that it could swing the fate of Atlanta's 2025 season. Just in case you've forgotten, take a look back at Anderson's 2021 postseason run. Just in case you thought this was a fluke, the starter would give this postseason performance in back-to-back years. Anderson isn't afraid of the moment and has proven himself on baseball's biggest stage.
However, this version of Anderson is three years removed from whatever the starter is now. Injuries and struggles in the 2022 season completely changed Anderson's standing in the organization. Now the team is relying on Anderson to be able to eat the innings that Charlie Morton has for the past seasons.
The concern with Anderson isn't his stuff but execution and confidence. The alarming amount of walks Anderson has allowed this spring is noteworthy. The team should have a healthy level of concern as to whether or not Anderson is going to be able to turn back into the player he once was.