David O’Brien of The Athletic has suggested that the Atlanta Braves might be aiming to reset their luxury tax penalties this year, but another prominent beat reporter has offered a conflicting perspective. O’Brien took to Twitter to explain his stance on the team’s apparent inactivity during the offseason:
“Some ask my take on Braves’ inactivity. I still expect a move or two, probably via trade and hopefully not signing Scherzer when they could’ve just kept Morton at that kind of price. It seems obvious they’re determined to stay below luxury tax and reset penalties for 2026,” O’Brien tweeted.
According to O’Brien, Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos could be viewing the 2025 season as a transitional year. This would allow the team to focus on players recovering from injuries or rebounding from underwhelming performances, paving the way for a more aggressive “all-in” approach in 2026. However, Mark Bowman, another respected Braves insider, is reporting a different take.
Bowman, writing for MLB.com, offers a more optimistic outlook regarding Atlanta’s financial approach this offseason. He reported that “one source recently suggested the Braves have approximately $33 million to spend this offseason. This would put them slightly over the luxury tax’s first threshold, a hurdle president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos said he’s willing to clear.”
Bowman’s insights align with what Anthopoulos himself said earlier this offseason during an interview on 680 The Fan. Anthopoulos made it clear that the team’s financial flexibility is not an obstacle, emphasizing that the Braves are not constrained by budget concerns. This contrasts with O’Brien’s speculation that the team might be prioritizing financial prudence to avoid exceeding the luxury tax threshold.
While it’s clear the Braves are carefully managing their payroll, Bowman highlights that Anthopoulos remains open to exceeding the first luxury tax threshold if the right opportunities arise. However, this doesn’t mean the Braves will spend recklessly. Anthopoulos has a track record of making calculated, value-driven decisions rather than simply spending for the sake of it. The Braves have consistently demonstrated an ability to maximize the efficiency of their payroll, ensuring that every dollar is allocated wisely.
In summary, while O’Brien suggests the Braves are playing a long game focused on financial resets and future moves, Bowman paints a picture of a team willing to spend smartly in the present to strengthen their roster. This dual narrative underscores Anthopoulos’s balancing act—maintaining fiscal responsibility while ensuring the Braves remain competitive in the short and long term. Whether the team makes a splash this offseason or opts for a more measured approach, their strategy will undoubtedly reflect the careful, methodical planning that has characterized the Anthopoulos era in Atlanta.
Braves insider reveals how much money Alex Anthopoulos has to spend
