The Atlanta Braves are eyeing free-agent starter Kyle Gibson as they seek to bolster their pitching depth for the upcoming season. With injuries hampering player availability, Gibson would provide significant stability in the rotation, allowing the Braves to rely on their returning key players like Spencer Strider and Ronald Acuña Jr. This offseason has been relatively quiet for the Braves, with only Jurickson Profar joining the roster so far.

Gibson's recent track record includes 30 starts and nearly 170 innings pitched with a 4.24 ERA and 150 strikeouts in 2024, which aligns well with the Braves' current starters. Now tasked with managing an average pitching staff amidst injury concerns, the Braves need to weigh Gibson's projected $13.4 million salary against other options available on the market.

The excitement for the 2025 MLB season is palpable as RotoBaller unveils its early fantasy baseball outfield rankings for 5x5 mixed roto leagues. Highlighting the offseason's most significant event, Juan Soto's record-breaking 15-year, $765 million deal with the New York Mets places him among the top outfielders. Despite this, Soto ranks second behind Aaron Judge, last season's AL MVP, who posted impressive stats with 58 homers and 144 RBIs.

Other notable talents include Corbin Carroll and Fernando Tatis Jr., both shining brightly in the rankings. As drafts approach, players like Dylan Crews and Jasson Dominguez emerge as potential late-round gems, poised to outperform their average draft positions. Comprehensive fantasy resources, including a dedicated Draft Kit, are available to assist players in maximizing their draft strategies for a successful season.

Andruw Jones, the iconic outfielder of the Atlanta Braves, is on the verge of entering the Hall of Fame, but not this year. According to Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter, Jones is projected to receive around 72.1% of the votes, just shy of the 75% needed for induction. The Baseball Hall of Fame tracker shows him at 72.6%, with only 45.7% of ballots accounted for, indicating potential for change.

Jones's career was remarkable, featuring ten Gold Gloves and five All-Star appearances. Despite missing out this year, many believe he could finally get his chance next year, particularly as the All-Star festivities take place in Atlanta. Meanwhile, fellow Braves alum Billy Wagner is projected for a better chance, sitting comfortably at 84.4%.

The Atlanta Braves have made a significant addition to their roster by signing international outfield prospect Diego Tornes, marking a prominent start to the international signing period. Reported by Francys Romero, Tornes' signing bonus amounts to $2.5 million, aligning closely with earlier estimates of around $3 million. Regarded as a top talent, Tornes is celebrated as one of the most complete players in the 2024-25 international prospect class, ranked No. 5 on FanGraphs and No. 15 on MLB.com.

At just 16 years old, Tornes is a five-tool switch hitter, standing tall at 6-foot-4 and weighing 200 pounds. His journey began when he left Cuba at the age of 13 in 2021, eventually training at the Alex Sanchez Academy in the Dominican Republic. The Braves have maintained a connection with him since August, indicating their interest in his potential. With an overall score of 55 on the 20 to 80 scale, Tornes is recognized as an above-average player, showcasing exceptional power rated at 60. His defensive skills and arm strength are also highlighted as “plus” attributes, suggesting gold-glove caliber potential.

This signing is crucial for the Braves, who previously featured only two outfielders in their 2024 top-30 prospects, with none ranking in the top 10. Tornes’ addition addresses a notable gap in the team’s outfield depth they encountered last season. While his impact won't be immediate, the Braves are investing in a promising long-term option. Historically, the Braves have excelled in acquiring top international prospects, such as Andruw Jones, who emerged as one of the game’s premier outfielders after his signing in 1993. Other notable players from the organization include current stars Ronald Acuña Jr. and Ozzie Albies, both of whom have made significant contributions to the team's success.