Anthopoulos: 'We're going to have to be patient'

 

LAS VEGAS -- When the Phillies reached an agreement with Andrew McCutchen on Tuesday, Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos erased an outfield target from his wish list and saw next year's National League East race become even more intriguing.

After spending most of this decade as a GM, Anthopoulos has developed a patient approach that allows him to be comfortable with the possibility he may not satisfy his wish to land a starting pitcher, improve his bullpen or fill his outfield void by month's end.

"We're obviously having a ton of dialogue, but I just think we're going to have to wait things out a little bit," Anthopoulos said. "From where we value things and with the price points we want both with free agency and trade, I just think we're going to have to be patient right now because it's just not there for us this month."

Still influenced by his ill-fated late offseason signing of Francisco Cordero in 2012 with Toronto and motivated by one of his favorite Warren Buffett quotes, "Price is what you pay, value is what you get," Anthopoulos remains focused on sticking to his plan without being swayed by unexpected market influences.

"I wouldn't expect by the time we leave the Meetings we won't have anything done for a starter or a reliever," Anthopoulos said. "You know that can change fast. But right now, I don't think we have any momentum towards with the way things are heading for guys, whether it be trades or free agents."

How about outfielders?

"We have definitely vetted the landscape of free-agent outfielders, and we haven't found a deal that works for us yet," Anthopoulos said.

The three-year, $50 million contract McCutchen will reportedly receive from the Phillies is much more significant than anything he'd have gotten from the Braves, who viewed the former NL Most Valuable Player Award winner, Carlos Gonzalez and Nick Markakis as potential outfield targets with a one- or two-year deal.

As the Braves wait to see how the market develops for Markakis and Gonzalez, they'll do the same for Michael Brantley, who will likely only become a potential target if the offseason evolves to the point where he's willing to accept less than a three-year deal.

While Ender Inciarte has drawn interest from other clubs and stands as a valuable trade chip, the Braves' desire to keep the three-time Gold Glove Award winner is rooted in the fact his presence allows them to widen their scope for an outfielder.

Markakis' rise from being a below-average defender in 2017 to a Gold Glove Award winner in '18 was heavily influenced by improved positioning. But it should be noted Inciarte's presence led the Braves to comfortably have Markakis play deeper and closer to the right-field line.

"Ideally, you want an average to above-average defender, but we have talked about the fact we have Ender in center. And he's such a good defender, [we feel] we have a center fielder and a half," Anthopoulos said. "Knowing we have him in center field allows us to at least discuss taking on a defender who is not as strong [but attractive] because the bat is that much better."

Realmuto update
Much of the recent chatter regarding J.T. Realmuto has centered around the Mets' strong pursuit of the veteran catcher. Before signing Brian McCann, the Braves gained the sense the Marlins were not willing to deal Realmuto to an NL East rival.

Anthopoulos chose not to comment on the possibility the Marlins' thought process has changed. Instead, he indicated he is comfortable with the likelihood of entering 2019 with McCann and Tyler Flowers as his catchers. At the same time, Anthopoulos seemed to indicate it's his responsibility to at least continue to monitor the market for what stands as one of this offseason's top available assets.

"We're happy with what we have behind the plate," Anthopoulos said. "If any great players are available via trade, we're not doing our job if we don't explore that. I just don't know if it's fair for me to comment on what Miami [is thinking]. I certainly wouldn't want them going on the record with what I was talking about with them."

Mark Bowman has covered the Braves for MLB.com since 2001.

Braves open to trade 'conversation' at Meetings

LAS VEGAS -- As Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos explores ways to add a front-line starting pitcher, an outfielder and bullpen depth, it appears unlikely he'll deal any of his Major League assets.

But to get a feel for exactly what might be available on the trade market, Anthopoulos has at least allowed himself to be open to internal and external discussions regarding Ender Inciarte and the other Major Leaguers who have drawn interest from other teams.

"I think we encourage conversation," Anthopoulos said. "We say, 'Don't be afraid to ask about anybody, because we're not going to get offended.' I'd rather have the conversation. We encourage ideas, thoughts or free-flowing conversations. We'll consider anything. I know we're not afraid to ask at the same time about other players [from other teams]."

Still, those teams that have expressed interest in Mike Foltynewicz have seemingly learned that minus a substantial return, the Braves aren't going to trade the closest thing they have to a front-line starter.

The Braves also seem hesitant to deal Inciarte. But because Ronald Acuna Jr. is available to play center field, they can at least contemplate dealing their 28-year-old, three-time Gold Glove Award winner, whose contract runs for $29 million over the next four years.

While there may be some concern about a potential defensive decline, Inciarte is an attractive trade piece who could draw interest from the Indians, who possess a couple starting pitchers -- Corey Kluber and Trevor Bauer -- that satisfy exactly what the Braves would like to add to their rotation.

If the Braves were to deal Inciarte without getting an outfielder in return, the only MLB-ready outfielders within their system would be Acuna and Adam Duvall, who was a non-tender candidate two weeks ago.

Still, while it might be uncomfortable to deal Inciarte, the Braves have to at least remain open to ways to creatively improve their roster. Johan Camargo and Dansby Swanson are among Atlanta's other MLB-ready assets who have drawn interest from other clubs.

"We're talking about some things," Anthopoulos said. "I wouldn't say we're close. But we've definitely had some conversations about taking some players off the big league team."

Other potential outfield targets
With seven pitchers in MLB Pipeline's Top 100 Prospects list, the Braves have the kind of young arms sought by the Rangers, who may be willing to deal outfielder Nomar Mazara, who has hit exactly 20 homers each of the past three seasons.

Given the value the Braves place on defense, the Braves might be hesitant to take a chance on Mazara, who Statcast credited with -9 Outs Above Average this year (79th among 87 qualified outfielders) and -4 Defensive Runs Saved in 2017.

Ruiz claimed
Looking to create the option to make a selection during the Major League phase of Thursday's Rule 5 Draft, the Braves placed Rio Ruiz on waivers and then lost him when he was claimed by the Orioles.

Mark Bowman has covered the Braves for MLB.com since 2001.