Here’s what to know about the Braves on Friday:
1. The Braves have an MLB-high-tying five Gold Glove finalists. Outfielders Ender Inciarte, Nick Markakis, Adam Duvall, along with first baseman Freddie Freeman and starter Julio Teheran, are eligible for the award.
Inciarte is aiming for his fourth consecutive honor, while Freeman could become the first Braves first baseman to achieve such. Winners will be announced Nov. 4.
» More: Growth of Braves third basemen
2. Starting pitching is the Braves organization's lifeblood. They certainly have a surplus, but that won't stop rumors of acquiring a front-line arm.
The Braves could reportedly dip into the Patrick Corbin market. They could also explore (however unlikely) big names such as Jacob deGrom and Madison Bumgarner.
3. Arizona re-signed Eduardo Escobar before free agency. He's coming off a career-best year and could've been a realistic target for the Braves.
Still, a versatile player such as Escobar would be ideal. The Braves need another Charlie Culberson on their bench.
4. Boston enters Friday just two wins from a World Series title. They looked the part against Atlanta, winning both series, the last of which was topped off by a comeback after trailing 7-1.
The Braves aren’t at Boston’s level – obviously, about no one is. On the National League spectrum, the Braves could be a couple of moves away from making noise. The Dodgers’ offseason will be among the more intriguing itself, especially if they again fall short in the Fall Classic.
5. After a somewhat slow start, Cristian Pache is heating up at the Arizona Fall League. The Braves top outfield prospect is hitting .310 with a couple of doubles and five RBIs in nine games.
Pache will be the next great Braves prospect to follow. Soon to turn 20, he’s probably another year away from the majors at an optimistic projection.
» Vote: Should Braves trade a top prospect, which one should it be?
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