MLB Atlanta Braves

5 Biggest Questions for Atlanta Braves Heading Into October

Fresh Videos

By @DavidMillerRant

5 Biggest Questions for Atlanta Braves Heading Into October

Evan Gattis B.J. Upton
Getty Images

It would truly be nice if the Atlanta Braves had questions about their postseason chances when the month of October arrives but after losing to the Texas Rangers in game one of their series, it seems like that is unlikely. Currently sitting three games in back of the second wild card spot, the Braves are likely looking at an offseason at home. Here are the five biggest questions facing them heading into October.

5 – What Kind of Offer Will Ervin Santana Get?

Ervin Santana
Getty Images

5 – What Kind of Offer Will Ervin Santana Get?

Ervin Santana
Getty Images

There are two choices here for the Braves. They could give him a qualifying offer that would be around $14 or $15 million by the offseason or they could just give him no offer and let him move on. Though he has been good for the Braves this season, they are very unlikely to re-sign him for 2015 and beyond because of the price-tag. With at least a couple of pitchers returning next year they should probably just cut the risk and let him go.

4 – Will They Trade B.J. Upton?

B.J. Upton
Getty Images

4 – Will They Trade B.J. Upton?

B.J. Upton
Getty Images

Few teams would be willing to agree to an outright trade for Upton, but it is very possible that the Braves could trade him by either paying some of his large contract or coupling him with another player. They tried to package him with Mike Minor late in the August trade season, but it was too late to garner any real attention. It could be a foreshadowing of what they plan to do this offseason.

3 – Will Fredi Gonzalez be Fired?

Fredi Gonzalez
Getty Images

3 – Will Fredi Gonzalez be Fired?

Fredi Gonzalez
Getty Images

The terribly inconsistent play of the Braves down the stretch run is the biggest factor here. It is very likely that Gonzalez could be held directly accountable if the Braves are unable to make the postseason with this talented roster. The effort has to be there and that is the coaching staff's job to make sure these guys are raring to go when they hit the field. Heads could roll if and when they are at home in October.

2 – Will Frank Wren be Fired?

Frank Wren
Getty Images

2 – Will Frank Wren be Fired?

Frank Wren
Getty Images

The Braves general manager Frank Wren is the one most fans seem to want cut loose. Who can blame any of us for wanting that after there will be a ton of money tied up in B.J. Upton and Dan Uggla next season. Even with Uggla at home and Upton likely traded, the Braves will be on the hook for cash and that is at the feet of Wren. He could be let go this offseason. It is actually very likely.

1 – What to do About Evan Gattis?

Evan Gattis
Getty Images

1 – What to do About Evan Gattis?

Evan Gattis
Getty Images

Christian Bethancourt is going to be the catcher for the Braves next season; that much is a near certainty. He is just the right man for the everyday job. The question is what the Braves will do with Evan Gattis. He has a huge bat but would be a defensive liability in the outfield. A strong option would be to trade him for maximum return this offseason. We will have to wait and see what the Braves choose to do.

Share Tweet
Trending Now on