Here are 5 questions facing the Braves this offseason

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ATLANTA -- Instead of continuing to dwell on how Atlanta’s mighty offense was silenced throughout most of the National League Division Series against the Phillies, it’s time to look at what the Braves might do over the next few weeks and months.

Here are five questions the Braves face this offseason:

Will Charlie Morton and Eddie Rosario have their options exercised?
The Braves have until five days after the World Series ends to decide whether to exercise Morton’s $20 million option (no buyout) and Rosario’s $9 million option (no buyout). Morton missed the NLDS with a right index finger strain that he felt while trying to be more aggressive with some curveballs during his Sept. 22 start at Nationals Park. But though he’ll turn 40 on Nov. 12, the right-hander hasn’t shown signs of being a health risk.

Morton has made 30-plus starts for Atlanta over each of the past three seasons, and his 3.64 ERA ranked 10th among qualified National League pitchers this year. The veteran hurler must decide whether he wants to spend another season away from his family, and the Braves must decide whether they might be more comfortable giving him a slightly lower salary.

As I spoke to Morton after Game 4 of the NLDS last week, he didn't give any clue as to which way he was leaning. These couple of weeks leading up to the end of the World Series should give him time to decide if he wants to pitch into his 40s.

Now that Rosario has been named a Gold Glove Award finalist, I would like to clarify that each time I brought up that I’d like to see him removed more frequently for a late-inning defensive replacement, I was just saying I wanted his legs to be fresh for the next days’ early innings.

Anyhow, Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos said that before the Trade Deadline, he targeted a right-handed power hitter who wasn’t moved. Anthopoulos didn’t say which position, but through deductive reasoning (or there being only one logical answer), it’s easy to assume the player could be a left fielder.

Rosario hit 21 homers, produced a .755 OPS and proved more than adequate defensively. It would be challenging for the Braves to find this kind of production for less than $9 million. So, there’s a chance the 2021 NLCS MVP will return, but possibly with a new platoon partner.

If Atlanta brings in another right-handed hitter to platoon with Rosario, it will have to account for the energy and leadership Kevin Pillar brought to the clubhouse. Travis d’Arnaud is the clubhouse leader, but Pillar and Kirby Yates helped him keep things loose.

Is there a need to add to the rotation?
We’ll get a better sense of the Braves’ potential offseason plan once they decide whether to exercise the above options.

If Morton returns, he would rejoin Spencer Strider, Max Fried and Bryce Elder to form the base of a rotation. AJ Smith-Shawver, Allan Winans, Darius Vines and Jared Shuster are all potential fifth-starter candidates.

Michael Soroka is a non-tender candidate who will likely have to settle for a Minor League deal. Huascar Ynoa could make his return from Tommy John surgery early next season and Ian Anderson could do the same a few months into the season.

There’s also always a chance this year’s first-round Draft selection, Hurston Waldrep, could be deemed ready at some point next year.

But as the Braves evaluate their rotation this winter, they have to prepare for the possibility that Fried may exit as a free agent after the 2024 season.

Giving long-term deals to free-agent pitchers is one of baseball’s biggest risks. But Aaron Nola and Blake Snell could be linked to the Braves once the rumor mill starts churning. Whether the interest proves to be more than due diligence remains to be seen.

How will the Braves reshape their bullpen?
As things stand, the Braves could open the 2024 season with Raisel Iglesias, A.J. Minter, Tyler Matzek, Nick Anderson, Michael Tonkin and Ben Heller in their bullpen.

Their top free-agent relievers are Joe Jiménez and Pierce Johnson. I wouldn’t be surprised to see at least one of these two potential setup guys back in Atlanta next year. Jesse Chavez will likely need to prove himself via a Minor League deal if he opts to return.

There’s certainly a chance the Braves will attempt to add a reliever this winter. They will attempt to expand the flexibility that they lacked while carrying too many relievers without remaining Minor League options this year.

Who are the top trade pieces?
Any of the potential fifth-starter candidates listed above could provide trade value. One lesser-known prospect who could draw attention is Drake Baldwin, who spent this past summer proving he could become more than just a bat-first catcher.

One of the more likely trade chips could be Vaughn Grissom if the Braves determine they can find a better fit for the utility role. Grissom is a dedicated hard worker who will continue to make himself a better defensive player. His bat is MLB-ready, and he could probably be an everyday second baseman for many clubs.

How should the bench be built?
This depends on whether Rosario returns. Along with bringing value via his glove and clubhouse presence, Pillar showed offensive value during stretches of regular playing time. He adapted to the backup role, and Sam Hilliard continued to show signs he’s best used as an everyday player but might not yet bring everyday value.

Grissom could be used as a utility player, who could provide value with his bat. Nicky Lopez seems to be the best fit to carry as a backup infielder, but he could get close to $4 million via arbitration. Lopez is a Gold Glove-type defender whose value rose down the stretch when Orlando Arcia provided the reminder that he benefits from regular rest.