Adding Bryan De La Cruz Is a GOOD Move, But It Can’t Be the ONLY Move | Atlanta Braves Podcast

In this episode of Braves Today, host Lindsay Crosby discusses the Atlanta Braves’ recent signing of outfielder Brian De La Cruz to a non-guaranteed deal for the 2025 season. Crosby analyzes De La Cruz’s disappointing 2024 performance and why the Braves see potential in him. He also delves into the details of non-guaranteed contracts and roster spots, and why Atlanta’s strategy could benefit from this low-risk move. Additionally, Crosby touches on the news of including Spencer Schwellenbach’s recent bonus. Tune in for in-depth Braves updates and insights.

01:25 Analyzing Brian De La Cruz’s 2024 Performance
03:35 Contract Details and Implications
07:40 De La Cruz’s Struggles and Potential Fixes
14:47 Braves’ Offseason Strategy and Outfield Depth
21:56 Spencer Schwellenbach’s Compensation and Future
28:16 Wrapping Up and Listener Mailbag

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14 comments

  3. Hey Lindsay. You definitely made me feel better about the De La Cruz signing. Not expecting much and it's not costing anything but if anyone can fix him, the Braves can.

  5. Solid move, value potential. In this lineup, with Ozuna as mentor maybe…still 28 and he can hit. Could be a Duvall type of year, yeah, he strike out a lot. Cut as needed with that contract.

  9. Honestly, De La Cruz has a lot more potential than I was expecting to see from any offensive pickup Anthopolous made this off-season. He may not be a big splash signing but I can see a world where he is breakout player of the year this year. There are elements of his game that are enticing and times when he has looked downright dangerous at the plate. I think he could at least profile like Adam Duvall from a few years ago where he's a low average bat with top tier power and a surprising amount of defense and speed in a guy with that type of hitting profile (who are usually slower, big guys). I don't think he or Kelenic have proven themselves as someone who should be the everyday left fielder for a contending team. But between the two of them I think there's a decent chance for a star to emerge to hold down that 3rd outfield spot with Harris and Acuña. I honestly would have liked to see him on a 2-3 year deal while his value is low with how hard he flopped in the back half of 2024. If we get the guy he was in '22 or the beginning of last year we got a steal.

  14. It’s a good signing as far as it being super low risk with some decent upside. I have no issue with the signing. I will have an issue if this is the only move they make to try to improve the outfield but overall this is fine.

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