By MATTHEW MICHAELS
STAFF WRITER
The Atlanta Braves have been the most consistently good team in the National League over the last few decades. A series of offseason moves have made them viable contenders again this year and for the foreseeable future. After a 96-win season that ended in playoff disappointment once again, the Braves are back to fighting for their first World Series win since 1995.
The team re-signed flame-throwing closer Craig Kimbrel, promising first baseman Freddie Freeman, rising star Jason Heyward, future ace Julio Tehrán and slick-fielding shortstop Andrelton Simmons. The organization also extended the contracts of General Manager Frank Wren and Manager Fredi Gonzalez, both of which were set to expire after this season.
Kimbrel’s extension is worth $42 million dollars over four years, with an option for a fifth. This contract is fairly outrageous for a closer, someone who pitches one inning every appearance for less than half the games each season. However, with Mariano Rivera retired and the role of closers in question, the Braves made the wise choice of locking him up. At only 25, Kimbrel has been an All-Star and led the National League in saves in each of his first three full seasons.
Freeman has been in the majors for a few seasons now, but 2013 was his breakthrough campaign. By extending his contract eight years for 135 million, the Braves can keep him under control until he is 32, still in the prime of a first baseman’s career.
Perhaps no player on the team has more potential than Atlanta’s right fielder. Heyward has been with the Bravos for four years and is now the cornerstone of the team. If he continues developing, he can compete in MVP races for years to come.
Tehrán had been a highly touted prospect since he was signed at the age of 16. His minor league statistics were phenomenal and warranted his call up to the big leagues. After struggling in limited time with Atlanta, he proved his worth in the rotation in 2013. It is expected that he will continue to improve and be a large factor in the Braves’ success this year and for many to come.
Simmons had a solid 2013 at the dish, but it was in the field where he truly shone. The sabermetric measure Defensive Runs Saved gave the 24-year-old a score of plus-41. To put that into perspective, plus-15 is considered Gold Glove caliber and zero is average. His DRS score and his 5.4 defensive Wins Above Replacement are both all-time records. If Simmons cannot live up to expectations, the Braves have Tyler Pastornicky, also 24, who is more than capable and waiting for an opportunity to play shortstop.
By rewarding Wren and Gonzalez, Atlanta keeps the management that made the transition after Bobby Cox’s retirement so smooth.
Yes, the Braves lost Brian McCann and if the Upton brothers and Dan Uggla continue to struggle, the team will not be as potent as it can be. The Nationals will compete for the division, but the Braves should be able to make the playoffs comfortably. The Mets will also become contenders soon, but Atlanta can continue to win the NL East in upcoming seasons with their current core.
The Braves’ strength is that their talent is very young, and now, all those players are locked into contracts. The five players who inked extensions range in age from 23 to 25. They have yet to hit the peak of their careers and if their development coincides, they will be sure to win it all sooner or later.
