The Atlanta Braves' 2025 season reached a new low on Tuesday night, dropping a very winnable game against the Los Angeles Angels. It is important to note that the biggest factor in the loss wasn't the bullpen implosion but an offense that continues to refuse to show up. Getting shut out by one of the league's worst teams was a frustrating reminder of where this team has fallen. Still, this wasn't the only issue that led to the series' opening loss. Atlanta's front office spent the 2025 offseason sitting back and relying on the return of injured players to fix the obvious issues plaguing the roster. The only issue with this is the fact that you're unlikely to get through a season without facing serious injuries.
Choosing not to prepare for bullpen or rotation issues showed a lack of urgency and seemingly indicated a team that wasn't willing to do what it takes to put together a winning roster. This was on full display in a close game with Dylan Lee on the mound in an elevated position. A player who only a season ago was a situational option was turned to in the game's biggest moments. In fairness, the lefty has been solid before the most recent outing.
The Braves Bullpen Continues Irritating Inconsistencies
However, Lee's elevation and struggles show just how awful Atlanta's offseason decision-making was. It wouldn't have been difficult to sign a veteran for the end of the rotation and a handful of bullpen arms. Choosing to stay with the current options has helped land the Braves in the current situation. Still, it is important to note that the offensive regression and Jurickson Profar's suspension are both situations impossible to predict.
Yet Atlanta's season would look entirely different if the front office were simply willing to make obvious offseason moves. This is where things grow a bit more confusing, with it remaining unclear who is to blame for these decisions. Whether it is a cheap front office or a group that has its hands tied by ownership is up for debate.
The obvious counter to this is pointing out that even if ownership limited spending, it isn't difficult to land veterans or depth pieces on prove-it deals. Atlanta didn't have to be so completely quiet, even if ownership was limiting spending. Making the choice not to add any depth is on consistent display and remains a primary reason the Braves remain competing in the basement of the National League.