Braves Today

Dominican shortstop Alfredo Sena, widely viewed as the top 2027 international prospect, has a reported $5.8M pre-agreement with Atlanta for the Jan. 15 signing period, but it’s not binding until the window opens and MLB approves it. The episode explains Sena’s tools, why the Braves would devote most of their bonus pool to him, and how CBA negotiations and a proposed international draft could void pre-agreements or delay/cancel the signing period. It also previews possible outcomes, notes the lockout isn’t necessarily the main threat, and discusses how Rule 5 timing could affect Braves 40-man decisions, highlighting candidates like Davis Polo and Cedric de Grandpre.

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Braves Today breaks down why Tarik Skubal uniquely fits Atlanta’s preferred starter profile (Stuff+, whiff rate, strikeout rate) but could cost a projected eight years, $355M, limiting other roster upgrades. Lindsay Crosby reviews alternative pitcher “buckets” and risks—Freddy Peralta, Jack Flaherty, Dustin May, Sonny Gray, Kevin Gausman, and Nick Martinez—then argues the Braves need both top-end ceiling and reliable innings, weighing one superstar signing versus multiple additions to stabilize the rotation behind Chris Sale.

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Lindsay Crosby answers mailbag questions on whether the Braves should move on from hitting coach Tim Hyers and whether similar “new voice” logic applies to the training staff after recent injuries. He weighs player responsibility, lineup construction, and possible replacements like Kevin Long, then uses league-wide injury data to argue Atlanta’s situation is closer to average than it feels. Crosby also explains Spencer Schwellenbach’s elbow surgery (screw stabilization), why his 2027 return timeline is uncertain, and what to watch for in his command. The episode closes with questions on pre-lockout offseason activity, trading prospect Eric Hartman, why knuckleballers have disappeared, and a few personal/fun topics.

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On Braves Today, Lindsay Crosby weighs whether Atlanta should re-sign free agent Raisel Iglesias despite already having Robert Suárez. Iglesias was effective in 2026 (2.55 ERA, 34 saves) but showed aging/decline indicators (lower K rate, rising hard-hit and barrel rates, slight velo dip, shoulder IL stint). Crosby argues the Braves aren’t shopping for a closer but late-inning certainty, noting limited internal high-leverage depth and the risk of external replacements.

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Lindsay Crosby breaks down MLB Trade Rumors’ arbitration projections for the Braves, arguing Dylan Lee is a clear keep around $4.2M despite recurring second-half struggles, especially with Raisel Iglesias headed to free agency. He explains how arbitration “file and trial” works and why hearings happen even over small gaps. Bryce Elder’s projected $4M is worth paying, but he could become a trade chip if Atlanta adds top-rotation help. The episode closes on fringe arbitration decisions: James Karinchak ($1.1M) as a possible non-tender, Joey Wince ($900K) likely to return after a torn ACL, and waiver-claim Michael Grove ($1M) as a low-cost swingman bullpen fit.

Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/wksQqVNEpX

Follow Lindsay on Twitter: @CrosbyBaseball

Read our written work: bravestoday.substack.com

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