The Braves’ road through the National League became quite a bit more difficult on Tuesday evening.
Two days before the NBA trade deadline, a blockbuster MLB trade stole the headlines. The Dodgers reportedly acquired star outfielder Mookie Betts and starter David Price from the Red Sox in a complex multi-team deal
Betts, the 2018 AL MVP, was reportedly determined to test free agency next winter in search of a record contract, prompting the Red Sox to move on from their biggest star. It’s a rarity to see a big-market club punt on paying one of its mega stars, but another major market benefited.
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Los Angeles, the only NL team with a better record than the Braves last season, missed on starter Gerrit Cole and third baseman Anthony Rendon in free agency. The Dodgers were clearly motivated to make a significant addition, hoping it would push them over the top in their chase for their first title in 1988. In the past three seasons, the Dodgers lost in consecutive World Series and were ousted by the Nationals in the NLDS last October.
Betts, 27, immediately strengthens a group many already deemed the preseason NL favorites. Price essentially replaces Hyn-Jin Ryu, who departed for Toronto in free agency, and upgrades the rotation. The Dodgers will reportedly pay Price half of his $96 million due across the next three years.
The Braves worked diligently this offseason to cement themselves among the league's favorites after two straight division titles. They bolstered their bullpen, rotation, catcher spot and offense. The latter was addressed with free-agent signee Marcell Ozuna, who replaces Josh Donaldson in cleanup.
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But navigating the senior circuit grew even more challenging with Betts landing in Dodger blue. L.A. seems to be the clear on-paper favorite, with the Braves among the top challengers. Of course, there’s a reason the games are played on the field.
Some will call for the Braves to acquire Kris Bryant, Nolan Arenado or another player in response to the Dodgers' splashy move. That probably won't be the case. The Braves want to see what they have in Johan Camargo and Austin Riley at third base. Should that combination fail, the team is armed with assets to add a difference maker in July.
So there won’t be a reactionary move on the Braves’ part. General manager Alex Anthopoulos has stressed multiple times over the past two seasons the Braves are concerned with their own team, not the moves others make.
But in this case, the move the other made should be frightening to other contenders. And could even loom large against the Braves in October.
