The Atlanta Braves announced that Kyle Wright would not be joining them on their postseason journey this week. Wright, who was the NL wins leader in 2022 with over 20 victories to his name, was placed on the 60-day injured list with a shoulder injury this season. While the Braves thought his initial injury had fully healed, hence Wright being involved in the team's late-season playoff push, he has since been declared out for the rest of 2023 and 2024, as he'll undergo surgery on that same shoulder.
Atlanta manager Brian Snitker addressed the media prior to NLDS Game 1 against the Phillies regarding Wright's injury.
"Kyle is not right. He had an MRI yesterday, and he's going to have to have a procedure done in order to get him right," Snitker told reporters on Saturday. "And we are going to confer with the doctors and decide exactly what it is. But you could tell he wasn't right in the last three or four outings in the regular season. Looking at it, he's going to miss next year."
Braves first baseman Matt Olson joined the chorus of Braves players who consoled Wright after the injury news broke.
"Obviously you feel for Kyle," Atlanta first baseman Matt Olson said. "I know he worked hard to try to get back and feel right this year. Like you said, 21 (win) guy, you don't just stumble across that, so we know the kind of guy Kyle is and stuff that he has and what he means on the mound for us."
With Wright out the entirety of 2024, as well, Atlanta needs to make a move this offseason.
Atlanta Braves should sign Jordan Montgomery to replace Kyle Wright
If the Braves are to replace a player of Wright's stature -- a former 20-game winner at his best -- they need to aim high. Jordan Montgomery, who is pitching with the Texas Rangers this offseason and set to be a free agent this winter, is the type of player who would play well in Atlanta.
Montgomery is sure to have plenty of suitors, including his former team, the St. Louis Cardinals. Our own MLB insider Robert Murray pitched a Montgomery return to St. Louis.
"Clearly the Cardinals like Montgomery. He was their best pitcher when he was in St. Louis. Yes, they traded him at this past deadline, but there is history of team's trading players and re-signing them (see: the Yankees trading Aroldis Chapman at the trade deadline and then re-signing him that same winter)...It would not be a surprise to see the Cardinals pursue Montgomery again this winter, and a reunion makes total sense for both sides."
Atlanta could offer similar money, plus the opportunity for Montgomery to join a contending team, something the Cards were lacking last season.
Braves could sign soon-to-be free agent Sonny Gray
Gray's asking price has gone up considerably the last year or so. Since being acquired by the Minnesota Twins, Gray has an ERA of 2.79 in 2023. This is his way of following up a campaign with a 3.08 ERA. Gray has established himself as the Twins ace, but he won't take a discount in what might be his best, last chance to receive a long-term contract.
The question, of course, is whether Alex Anthopoulos will pay enough to acquire a player like Gray. AA isn't one to splurge in free agency, so it would against his very identity as a general manager. However, even Anthopoulos has to adapt to the times. Sadly, not every player can be on a long-term, team-friendly deal
Atlanta has even more questions to answer this offseason, specifically what to do with Max Fried. While Fried is under contract for 2024, he will become a free agent in 2025. Something has to give, and signing Gray could serve as a long-term investment to replace Fried when the time comes.
Braves can trade for Corbin Burnes in Brewers blockbuster
While the Braves and Max Fried are locked in an arbitration battle of their own, the Brewers and Corbin Burnes did not play nice last offseason. Burnes took Milwaukee's attempt to save less than $1 million personally, and called them out to the media.
"There's no denying that the relationship was definitely hurt from what (transpired) over the last couple weeks. There's really no way to get around that," Burnes said. "When some of the things that are said … they basically put me in the forefront of the reason why we didn't make the postseason last year. That's something that probably didn't need to be said."
As FanSided's Robert Murray said at the time, Burnes officially put the Brewers on notice. They've done little to rectify the situation since. Atlanta could be an easy trade target for Milwaukee if they were to deal away Burnes this winter, thus shipping the looming contract elsewhere.
Trading for Burnes would take up plenty of Atlanta's prospect capital, which would be a tough pill to swallow for Anthopoulos. Still, it's tough to argue with Burnes results. He can be the ace the Braves need without Wright and perhaps Fried in the long term.
