Welcome to the first mailbag of 2025! In this installment, we look at what the Braves, Red Sox, Cubs and Mariners might do, as well as the future of first baseman Spencer Torkelson and Pete AlonsoAstros outfield options, various Alex Bregman Destination etc.
John asked:
Warriors fans want to know if the Warriors will re-sign AJ Minter?
Bill asked:
With market options dwindling, who might Atlanta pursue in the pitcher/outfielder category? Or will they rely on young pitching hopes and current outfield options?
Philip asked:
What do you think the Atlanta Braves are doing? We need another outfielder, starting pitcher and 2 relievers. Should we be frugal or pursue quality?
Bruce asked:
Can you predict what the usually unpredictable Alex Anthopolous will get out of playing LF, SS, and SP for the Atlanta Braves in 2025?
When trying to guess how the rest of the Warriors’ offseason will play out, it might be helpful to start by projecting their salary. President of baseball operations and general manager Alex Anthopoulos said there will be a salary increase in October.
Warriors’ actions so far this offseason are inconsistent with those of a team planning to increase payroll: Down Travis Danooptions, dumping Jorge Solermoving funds with Reynaldo Lopez, and Aaron Bammer Extensions (albeit not in a way that would help their CBT payroll), non-tendering Ramon Laureano, and most importantly, failing to sign any notable free agents. Indeed, Anthopoulos’ comments in October came before the Warriors learned more about the schedule. Ronald Acuña Jr., Spencer Striderand Josh Jimenez. I can see how this would affect salary distribution, but not why it would affect total salary.
The Warriors’ current CBT payroll appears to be $220MM, and on Dec. 11, The Athletic’s David O’Brien wrote that the Warriors “seem reluctant to go beyond $241M.” [luxury tax] That’s after running $276MM in CBT payroll through 2024. The CBT salary will not increase from last year’s Opening Day actual salary of $222 to the current team salary of $197. Teams may also want to be ready for mid-season additions.
Given O’Brien’s comments, we probably shouldn’t expect more than $25MM in additional AAV to be added this offseason. The second tax threshold of 261MM may be the upper limit of CBT salary. So, how can Anthopoulos improve a team that now has many big-name players departing?
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