The Braves “Core 9” Strategy That’s Taking Over Baseball

Thanks for watching! The Braves "Core 9" Strategy is taking over Baseball. After extending Ronald Acuna Jr, Austin Riley, and others, the Atlanta Braves team building strategy has gotten a lot of traction. From teams like the Red Sox, and Pirates attempting to use this strategy.
Purely Baseball Twitter / purelybaseball1
#openingday2024 #mlb #documentary
Title: The Braves “Core 9” Strategy That’s Taking Over Baseball
By: Purely Baseball

[@PurelyBaseballYT]

Thoughts on the Braves current strategy?

[@JayAyers]

I love it. The team plays well together, but most importantly, they gel personally. It makes it very hard for an FA to come in with an ego. Also, because they've had early success, it just builds confidence during rough patches. A true team.

[@johndaly1283]

go braise

[@nonchalantjuice3359]

One word.. DOPE‼️😎

[@paullentz1972]

I think that their strategy of using The MLB Draft (particularly in the early rounds) to stockpile on pitching...while using The International market to target hitters...is smart because...1. starting pitching is expensive. While I love Max Fried...I'm sure he's going to want $30 mil-ish a year...and Braves GM AA is probably going to decline, saying that paying a pitcher $30 mil a year on the wrong side of 30 whose already had TJ surgery (back in 2014) is not the wisest thing to do. Drafting pitching (especially college pitchers who are closer to being ready for MLB than are high school pitchers) is an economical way to develop starting pitching. This Braves team can afford to be patient when it comes to developing hitters...because they are pretty stacked position wise.

[@warlordofbritannia]

The really clever thing is that it’s nothing new, and the Braves know that. What they’re really doing is taking the best practices of the past and executing to perfection.

[@slimshady951000]

Alex Anthopolous’s midseason moves to get Joc Pederson, Jorge Soler, Adam Duvall and Eddie Rosario in 2021 has to be one of the best moves ever made by a GM. Literally, every single one of those players contributed to winning a handful of key games in the playoffs that year. If you took just one player out of that list the Braves may have not won the WS that year.

[@jojo88430]

Don't forget AA also traded for Arcia that year as well. While he was mostly a bench piece for 2021 and 2022, he is arguably the biggest steal AA has pulled off. 3 year 3 million dollar contract for a crucial defensive spot and Arcia is about to put up a second All-Star season if he keeps up his current pace.

[@zacharydietz9089]

And no one that they gave up for those players became impactful players. So not only was it impactful; it was also cheap, AA basically got them for nothing. We traded Pablo Sandoval for Eddie Rosario who put up 14 hits in the 6 game NLCS. Insane

[@louisschmid5487]

Every good team will lose the goid players to bigger money…. A la Astros

[@5oloswag]

I’m black and a lifelong football and basketball fan who’s always hated baseball and thought it was the stupidest waste of time possible. Recently I’ve been watching videos like these pretty frequently and I’ve come to the conclusion that not only was I 100% wrong about baseball, but that baseball is by far the greatest of the American sports and it’s not even close. No sport is as interesting or nuanced or fun, it’s so much fun if your a true baseball fan, and I’m so happy that channels like yours are educating the public about America’s past time.

[@cranbell99]

no disrespect but what does your skin color have to do with this?

[@5oloswag]

@@cranbell99 Black people don’t like or watch baseball ⚾️. Black people hate baseball basically were allergic to it almost. It’s a thing. If you were black you’d know. Baseball is a “white” sport in our eyes, it’s part of the reason we stay away from it. I know now that there are plenty of Latin players and a couple blacks but before I got into it I thought it was a Whiteman’s sport. Also baseball dosen’t look cool from the outside no real flare and pazzaz to the untrained eye. I didnt know how outlandish a bat flip was or the level audacity it represents to pimp a homer. I didn’t know any of these concepts or unwritten rules prior to recently and like 99% of blacks don’t. You couldn’t pay the average black in the hood to watch a baseball game it’s tantamount to water boarding or the most excruciating form of cruel and unusual punishment. Lastly I’m black my worldview is through the lens of my being black. This is America my personal narrative and that of my people is 500 years of slavery and all forms of atrocities and transcendence of those atrocities. My life and that of my progeny is that of an eternal struggle for personhood, manhood, freedom, liberation and evening the score or getting what’s rightfully mines (ours). It’s not an attempt to draw attention to my blackness it’s just how I interact with the white power structure zeitgeist of America and the west.

[@44deuce]

I agree, in the black community it’s not a sport that is popular even though we have such a deep history in the sport. I’ve played since I was 12, and my mom always had difficulty in finding places for me to play in my area.

[@5oloswag]

@@44deuce God willing I’m ganna make sure my children play. What a great sport.

[@cranbell99]

@@5oloswag well, here in Atlanta you'd be wrong. go braves!

[@smolitj]

Braves definitely aced this plan. I don’t think people know how hard it is to get 9 wildly productive players in a 26 man roster.

[@piggy8761]

AA is a hall of fame GM Period

[@rwwilson21]

that's laughable. Let's see if his dumbass brain can keep Fried in ATL or have him become a free agent who will mostly sign with the dodgers since he was born and raised in LA.

[@brosambeaux]

ong, sad to see great Braves players leave some years but then Alex comes up big with these crazy good players on cheap contracts

[@TheSonofabiscuit]

They've also created a "family" environment. If a player is seeking money over everything else, the Braves aren't interested. Team chemistry plays a huge role

[@osvaldosanchez5450]

LOL

[@PurelyBaseballYT]

Team Chemistry is huge. I say thats the biggest reason the 2023 Padres sucked.

[@pogotheclown8913]

​@PurelyBaseballYT didn't Juan Soto say that too? I remember hearing someone from the Padres team saying there is a lack of direction and leadership.

[@wandameadows5736]

@@osvaldosanchez5450 You can laugh all you want but it's true the Braves will not put any single player over Team. You see they wouldn't even budge with Freddie Freeman & im glad they didn't. Salaries don't win Championships or create team chemistry & a good fanbase. Sure these MLB Players are overpaid to begin with but that's not the topic here. Personally i'd argue that professional athletes shouldn't make more that Police or Military Personnel.

[@jasonbritt2497]

@@wandameadows5736the players on the Braves are sooooo appreciative of the fans as well they love em. During opening day last season we went to the game and they did the player parade through the battery. Many players stopped walking through the parade just to hang out with fans and BS. Tyler Matzik stopped and BSed with my son and I for like 10 mins kept thanking us over and over for being fans. Albies was out dancing in the street with the kids.

[@Trey50Daniel]

After enduring the 2000s as a Braves fan, it's nice to see that the front office finally found something that works. I love watching this team they've built. It's a fun squad and they seem to really mesh well together.

[@jasonbritt2497]

I’ve been a Braves fan since I was kid in the Murphy days of the 80s. Thankfully (if you want to call it that) I spent most of my time in the 2000s here and back overseas and missed watching so much of the Braves during those years. I’m glad they are getting back at it and so glad I can now enjoy them with my son like I did when I was a kid.

[@Bravesarebetter]

my dad was telling about this he’s been a braves fan for 50 years

[@louieanderson3896]

So good scouting, developing young players, then locking them up in team friendly deals? Wow can't believe no one has tried this before 🙄

[@PurelyBaseballYT]

They extend almost all of their talent very early on. Resulting in the team friendly deals. Quite frankly, most teams don’t do this.

[@pikeeplaya]

@@PurelyBaseballYTHonestly most teams don’t want to do this. Most teams want to get all the arbitration eligible years out of them and then let them go to the teams that actually pay their players when they’re eligible to make real money

[@nixn6412]

Bruh exactly. Lololol, they’ve had an historic player acquisition run. You can try. But you can live 3 lifetimes and never see this again

[@jimc.goodfellas226]

Exactly, some teams do part of this but not usually lock them up on the long term team friendly deals. Everybody thinks they're a funny troll

[@Bravesplayyyyye]

@@PurelyBaseballYTexactly

[@zachcoggins9018]

As a Braves fan, it’s awesome. I know we’re done with Boras (who would never do any of the deals) and couldn’t be happier. Btw, it’s the worst kept secret in the league that Fried is walking after this year, likely to be a Dodger.

[@PurelyBaseballYT]

I went to the Braves Home Opener this year, and man the fans were loud! Y’all gotta lot to be excited about 🔥 Also yeah I’ve heard so with Fried. Quite frankly, i’d move on as well. It’s not the talent, just the injuries.

[@zachcoggins9018]

@@PurelyBaseballYT I’ve saw a trend with AA. If a guy isn’t extended before or during their walk year, he’ll let them go. Same thing happened with Freddie & Dansby.

[@jeremiah_12]

@@zachcoggins9018 Yeah. Fried is a union rep too (correct me if I’m wrong), he won’t take any type of team friendly deal. Instead of the Dodgers, I’d like to see him go to SF, SD, or AZ. The Dodgers won’t be shelling out too much cash for him, with his health concerns.

[@pjny21]

As a Mets fan, I think we call all cheers to Boras going the way of the dodo.

[@zachcoggins9018]

@@pjny21 definitely. The only thing I like about him was he brought Mad Dog to ATL. Other than that, he’s a useless hack that’s toxic for the game.

[@jordanwhite8567]

Devers being better than Riley offensively is very debatable

[@PurelyBaseballYT]

I absolutely agree. But looking at the statistics, i’d give Devers the slight edge.

[@markdavidson558]

They're basically the left handed and right handed versions of the same thing. Riley: .275/.341/.509; 126 wRC+. Devers: .279/.343/.508; 123 wRC+. Edge actually goes to Riley

[@schrobencia]

@@PurelyBaseballYTthey both have a career 124 ops+

[@therealtombrokaw]

that's a fancy way of saying draft well and sign your young guys to early extensions to save money.

[@MIKAEL212345]

Yeah, I still really don't get what the strategy is. obviously, every team team wants to be able to lock down good players when they are cheap, but the risk is that they aren't actually good

[@mccalljeff]

I live in Buckhead, go to a Braves game about once every two weeks. I love watching this current team, they are just fun to watch!

[@DJ_Casey]

It’ll be crazy if teams like the Pirates, Orioles, and even my Mets win a World Series before the Dodgers

[@Parlimant_Strifey]

but Dodger ball won it all in 2020.

[@derekconstantino7759]

Lmao the mets aint winning shit

[@stonebone316]

As much as I hate the Mets, id still prefer them over the dodgers.

[@stonebone316]

@@Parlimant_Strifey yeah in a third of a season.

[@jasonbritt2497]

@@stonebone316nahhhh screw that f$&k the Mets

[@ryan24_31]

Fried is gone, any real Braves fan already knows this. The farm is still deep in arms and we'll get a comp pick from him.

[@PurelyBaseballYT]

I think moving on from him is the right move. Just cant stay healthy.

[@daemonfox69]

I wouldn't be too quick to boot Fried. Not after that 9 inning 3 hit shutout this week. Something was off, but clearly he figured it out.

[@jayfeev215]

Might just be me, but the fact that they have all these guys on these contracts and that Austin Riley's contract is more than what they're paying Acuna Jr. and Albies combined is actually nuts (to extend that out his contract is Acuna Jr., Albies and Michael Harris' contracts combined). I can't believe they're going to have all of these guys under team control for that long! I'm mor of a baseball fan than a team fan, but I'm from Philly so I do like to see the Phillies win. Although the Phils have beat them the past two years, this team is just a juggernaut that should be feared!!

[@PurelyBaseballYT]

It’s insane to me too! Truly awesome what their front office was able to accomplish with those deals.

[@zachcoggins9018]

You have to think about when the deals were signed. Harris in his rookie year, Acuna & Albies before year 2. What if they sign the deals, and they fall off hard? It could be a case of how much money do they need to be happy.

[@jayfeev215]

@zachcoggins9018 I remember when all of them were signed. In the long run they're still saving a ton of money. The sheer potential of these guys raise their salary ceiling. Even if they started to experience dip in play, the market would still deem pretty mich all of them as $20mil/yr players. I agree it is more about what they need to be comfortable, but in baseball terms, the team friendly deals allows them to build this extremely young and talented roster. All this without wasting talented prospect capital on trading for guys and buying low on pivotal veteran filler players like Soler during the WS run and Ozuna after a rough stint with St. Louis.

[@paullentz1972]

@@zachcoggins9018 Acuna's was signed a month after he came up and made his MLB debut...while Albies was in his 2nd year (he came up in 2017).

[@jasonbritt2497]

Acuna has already stated he wants to stay a Brave his whole career, along with a few others. The clubhouse is the main deal for many of them. AA has created a clubhouse atmosphere that these guys absolutely love being in and playing for each other. Matt Olson did an interview where he spoke on it. Said when he first came over how inviting and great it was even said while they where on his first road trip one of the players was joking around with AA on the plane ride talking about how they needed an ice cream machine in the locker room. Olson said when they finished up the road trip and got home they all walked in the locker room and there sat an ice cream machine. Those types of little things and the family atmosphere pay dividends in the end. We were able to get Duvall back for next to nothing, we just randomly loan out Jesse Chavez and get him back anytime we need him for cheap. Joc Pederson has several times stated he’d take far less money to come back. We end up getting so many players that are mehhh and when they get here they trive. Orlando Arcia is doing better than Swanson last two seasons, Sean Murphy we knew his defense was good but his bat has become great since coming over, Matt Olson we knew he had power but never expected him to be what we got. Chris Sale he’s been injured so you didn’t really know but dude is doing great. Charlie Morton is like fine wine and just gets better with age. Ozuna with all his troubles apologized to the fan base and promised better bc he wanted to stay on the team and by god he’s made well since that promise. 40HR season last year and already leading MLB HRs and RBIs this season.

[@miliart7695]

It's somewhat understated that the Braves have been incredibly lucky hitting on position players while overlapping an era when they were explicitly loading up on pitchers during drafts.

[@gallonthegreat7036]

Yeah they need to give Acuna and Ozzie even more money because they are the heart and soul of the team.

[@tagbanks8279]

Not really how contracts work but

[@gallonthegreat7036]

@@tagbanks8279 You don't work for the braves so u can't tell me they can't extend them to more money Idgaf about payroll because their payroll allowed them to pay other players a shit ton more than those 2 So please tell me your dumbass comment about how contract's work

[@liamscorgie8859]

Not how contracts work. They would also obliterate the luxury tax. Once their contracts come to a close they will likely be offered extensions that are bigger. Both have said they are happy with their current contracts and have no regrets. We’re good don’t worry lol

[@brandonedwards4517]

I love what Alex has done over the past 6+ yrs as Braves GM Anthopoulos saw the potential of what this team could be in both the present and future wants to create a championship window in hopes to build a dynasty We all loved Freddie but trading for Olson and then signing him long term a few hours later was genius We'll have to see what happens w/ Max but I'm not going to get my hopes up With 5 more yrs of team control, don't be surprised if Kelenic is the next player the Braves extend Plus, some of the players already locked up could sign 2nd deals w/ the team in the coming yrs; Acuna and Ozzie in particular You can add another extension to that list-AA is signed through 2031 Though it doesn't work for every team, with all the young talent they have I could see the Orioles following this strategy

[@paullentz1972]

The Orioles 'should' follow The Braves strategy..however unless new ownership changes things up, they probably wont.

[@RealSerie26]

There’s no way in hell the Braves are signing Fried. He’s headed to the Dodgers. He’s prone to injuries and market value is too high. Good luck.

[@alexlevinson8629]

If he plays like he has been, his stock is dropping. I hope it doesn’t, cause I really like the guy, but he just doesn’t seem like his heart is in it right now

[@alinga55]

And what tells you his heart isn't in it right now??? He just pitched a 9 inning complete game 5-0 shutout of the Marlins on Tuesday - if that's not an indication of heart, I don't know what is!!

[@markdavidson558]

Every team is trying and has been trying to do this. It's just so coalesced so nicely with the Braves. Tons of work, no doubt, but some luck, too. This a terrifyingly awesome baseball team. People want to point to the Dodgers (my favorite team) like they're the best team, but i think i take every part of the Braves over the dodgers; offense, rotation, and bullpen... oh boy now i need to see who i would take from each team to create the ultimate roster. C Murphy (can't go wrong though) 1B Freeman still, I guess, but maybe that changes this year 2B Albies 3B Riley SS Betts lol LF Teoscar or Ozuna even though he's a DH CF Harris II RF Acuña DH Ohtani SP Strider (so sad) SP Glasnow SP Yamamoto SP Fried (even though he's been shaky this year) SP Ohtani (when healthy) LR Reynaldo LR Sale CL Iglesias SU8 Minter SU7 Phillips RP D Hudson RP Vesia or P Johnson So 10 dodgers and 11 Braves, but still, i think the Braves units are all better than the dodgers... maybe dodgers' SP had the edge with strider out though. Wow, what a long boring comment!

[@paytonkent2978]

It’s about investing early when there is still questions. Believing in the process and the guys you have at a young age was key

[@dougfowler1368]

Sounds kind of like how Cleveland built in the '90s, locking up core players. The big differences are the ability to replicate the trading to replace players and, of course, the market size. And Cleveland became a medium market team for a while thanks to all the consecutive sellouts.

[@richnieh]

Austin had a pretty horrible start of the career and shorter career so on average, therefore Devers' OPS is 0.01 higher than Austin based on Baseball Reference. However, for the last three season, Austin has 0.06 advantage over Devers. Austin also has 10 more homeruns than Devers for the past three season. Devers does strike out less than Austin though and pitchers in their division tend to pitch to Austin a bit more because he has more protection; pitching to the Braves is very frustrating. I do agree they are both very talented offensive players and 0.06 or 0.01 difference in OPS really does not matter.

[@RaoulDuke-bc1pm]

Last season, the Braves tied the all-time record for homeruns in a season...307. They set the all-time record for team slugging percentage. My favorite statistic is that in 2022, the Braves set the all-time record for number of hits in a season from the 9th position in the batting order. That record was broken in 2023...by the Braves. Don't forget that the AL has used the DH for over 50 years. They led the league in team batting average and runs scored...the Quadruple Crown. Baseball has changed with the addition of playoff rounds. I think it's safe to say that the Yankees would not be close to having 27 titles had there been multiple playoff rounds beginning in 1901. What you are witnessing is the most potent offensive lineup the game has ever seen...statistically speaking. Better than the 1927 Yankees. Better than the Big Red Machine. They need to win another title to validate it.

[@parkercrossland410]

This is an optimal strategy but frankly it only works if you're able to make prospects a renewable resource by nailing most of your picks and development. You go on a 3 year cold streak and that limits a lot by way of trade flexibility and having in house replacements. The teams that are going to have strong 2025-2030's are going to be those that have a lot by way of young offensive talent, provided they make strides to keep them around (Atlanta, Baltimore, Cincy, the Dodgers, eventually maybe Detroit and KC). There's a bit of new school Moneyball going on right now that smart teams are realizing. Young pitchers are the most valuable trade chips, but young bats are the most valuable in house assets.

[@luckyjinxer]

It's basically building a team the way you should: find young players, develop them, and then stand behind them with a long contract. You build it up organically, and so they play together better, since they know they'll be playing with each other for the next decade.

[@happyman42]

I can say this was a great video. The Braves have awkwardly come out and pretty much said they're not resigning Fried. If you dig into his numbers post WS he just isn't very good haha like he really is a #3 and Charlie Morton has more nuts than him. Which is smart because they already signed his replacement R Lopez who is on an absolute savage streak this year. I think they love their prospect D Vines too because he's another version of Lopez...Throws strikes and has a mean cutter/slider combo

[@beagle_uah]

Aye, Lopez took me very much by surprise this year. He could be a solid #3 behind Strider and Sale, Morton’s probably gonna retire, and then we have Vines and AJSS waiting for the call up from AAA!

[@lionman3378]

I wouldn't resign fried either .

[@jaystarr6571]

It's all about The Farm System. On The Braves Farm System you actually have to put in work. Chickens, G.O.A.T.S., cows, etc.

[@idk-ll4lg]

For those wondering why these players sign these cheap contracts: how do you think Strider is feeling right now? Even if this injury completely alters or ends his career, he’s guaranteed all that money.

[@Runituplildude]

Completely forgot there all guaranteed

[@bigfloridapimp]

Riley is a better hitter than Devers

[@PurelyBaseballYT]

Based on OPS, nah

[@Redsoxgaming]

Not really

[@sccunch]

@@PurelyBaseballYTyou’re slow

[@bullythebooks]

@@PurelyBaseballYT Am I missing something? He literally has a higher OPS than Devers lol

[@bullythebooks]

@@PurelyBaseballYT He had a higher OPS than devers last year too, so I'm not really sure where you are getting your opinion from.

[@USBearForce]

I'd be interested in seeing how long this strategy is sustainable. The "Moneyball" strategy worked by honing in on undervalued players through advanced metrics, but once using those metrics became common practice the value of those players rose accordingly. I can see a scenario where if large numbers of teams try to secure long-term deals with young players the value of those contracts rises and the number of "busts" increases until the method is no longer offers any advantage.

[@Hoopsnet559]

Brewers rebuild being slept on

[@tristanbishop34]

Rangers did FA right getting two cornerstone players in seager and seimien. They are now doing almost everything through this home grown approach. They desperately needed the veteran leadership and experience before their young guys could start clicking on all cylinders

[@maxwhalen8975]

This strategy is profound: identify the future best players in the sport and ideally exploit the poorest players from disadvantaged backgrounds by signing them to below market value deals early in their career. Everyone should do it!

[@JusCliknButtons]

I mean the first team I remember doing this was the 2010’s Giants. Mostly homegrown guys friendly deals, plugged in a few trades and won 3 outta 5 WS…

[@shamas.7823]

Of course now Strider is hurt for all of 24 and Acuna, Riley and Olson seem to be in a slump, but the Brave's are still have a great record.

[@TEAMGETHELP]

It's because they're my favourite team.

[@grey154]

Will be interesting to see what happens to Acuna in a few years. Do the Braves try to extend him early with a mega deal or does Acuna go get the bag somewhere.

[@BOBtheMUSHROOM17]

That’s why the braves are the best team in baseball

[@zcorpalpha2462]

Yea well, Team is still human & taking it one day at a time 🥃🔥

[@PurelyBaseballYT]

👌

[@marzelsimmons8708]

Ive watched this and the white sox video. Seems like Braves actually let their players prove themselves for a yearr before the contract while the red sox and white sox both gave the deals befote their players even proved themselves

[@2ndPrize]

So they found 9 ballplayers to play the 9 positions and this is a revolution in how to play baseball?

[@machinist44291]

Don't know if this is the best strategy I've seen. It can't work for everyone and can't work ever year. The puzzle peices have to fall right for this to work.

[@robertgordon7983]

The braves got pretty lucky that the players they extended/ signed have all been really good that doesn’t always happen. Like you said the Red Sox signed a washed Trevor story but that’s not at all the case he’s been really good but injury prone

[@knotadoctor1455]

If I was a pirates fan I would still be excited for the next few years especially with the pieces they have and can bring up from there farm system

[@PurelyBaseballYT]

Yeah i’m really hyped for some of their prospects.

[@ShooterSanoff]

All it will take is signing some guy they like to not a huge deal but like 7 years 85 million and he turns into Chris Davis next year.. that is why teams don’t do this usually.. but the Braves have gotten lucky and it seems to work for them

[@dagoodistever7186]

Tigers javy Baez strat is better than

[@samuelblack3285]

I really don't think this strategy is going to 'take over baseball'. It's pretty risky. There's a reason why players going into their Arb2/Arb3 (Arb3/Arb4 for the Super 2 guys) would prefer to extend long term for a cheaper AAV. Success in the Major Leagues is fleeting. Pitchers get injured, and hitters lose their mojo. There's a good chance of a candidate for an enormous free agent contract loses their effectiveness in those final two seasons of team control. Guys like Eugenio Suarez are prime examples. What the Braves have done is absorb the risk of these contracts turning out poorly in exchange for the potential upside of having 3-4 $30M plus type players for about $20M each. It's worked out for them, but the same strategy has failed for other teams. The White Sox spent BIG cash on Tim Anderson and Luis Robert Jr., pre-arb. Very similar to the Braves' strategy, they fronted some cash early on in exchange for more productive play (per dollar) in the later years of the deal. What worked for the Braves backfired for the White Sox, because, well, that's how risk works.

[@ParamoreFAV3]

We also need to understand that the players don’t care about being the highest paid, they literally buy in to the team and want to win.

[@daemonfox69]

I loved this but it takes a lot of emphasis away from the handfull of FA players that made the 2020 to 2023 seasons what they were and setting the pace in 2024. Rosario? I miss Eddie! Pederson? Played his best ball in Atlanta. Chavez? Back, again, and playing better than ever! Morton????? A flat $20M and destroying line ups. The real revelation is that many of today's Braves understood what being there would mean, what was destined to happen. They could fight for money and end up wherever, or take Alex at his word and his offer, knowing its the best chance they will have at penants, rings and glory.

[@99z28atl]

Won’t miss a beat w/out Spencer’s- Sale, Max, Morton, Lopez, & look who’s almost back- Elder, Anderson, & Nola Also the best bullpen in baseball. Ask the champs who just got swept at home.

[@hepatitisatoz5666]

its almost like if you have a plan and try to build an actual "team", instead of just buying players, it will set the org up to be solid for several years, unlike just blowing your budget for a WS run, which usually just leaves teams stuck in crappy contracts, and then its rebuild time again, again

[@ddcs0s]

It's very simple ... The Braves are not the Dodgers their not gonna outspend you ... Their gonna outscout you ... And it's working

[@masterchiefjo2161]

CHOP ON!!!

[@JonahJdawg]

Trying to add a buzzword to the Braves just managing the team well 😂

[@warlordofbritannia]

The really clever thing is that it’s nothing new, and the Braves know that. What they’re really doing is taking the best practices of the past and executing to perfection: The commitment to scouting and development was the foundation of those 14 consecutive division titles. Giving young players extensions several years before free agency was first implemented by Jon Hart and the 90’s Cleveland Indians. The Braves now that starting pitchers have never been a riskier prospect than they currently are, particularly on the free agent market; so they instead either develop them or make trades. Classic exploitation of an inefficient market, albeit in the opposite direction.

[@MrFootballman52]

Would love to see the Orioles' new ownership adopt this strategy and sign long-term contracts for Rutschman, Henderson, Mullins, Burnes, and Rodriguez

[@PurelyBaseballYT]

Perfect team to do it on

[@jakefromstatefarm33]

They pay players well before they could become free agents or go to arbitration. There’s a reason why the players take these deals. The team is really paying the players earlier than they would have to by several years. Players and the team benefit.

[@RealSerie26]

It’s like they are running a business, scouting and developing players. Albies’ contract was almost criminal. In a world where you can get $20mm in arbitration alone, I would have taken my chances. And no, Devers is NOT better than Riley in any way, shape or form.

[@CarlosRuiz-gs2pz]

I am wondering why they are taking these smaller AV contracts?

[@PurelyBaseballYT]

As a young player, you have two options. Sign a deal super early on, but be underpaid. Or, wait until you’re a superstar, and sign the deal.

[@paullentz1972]

@@PurelyBaseballYT Or..dont take the deal and turn out to be a bust. The Braves offered Jeff Franceour a long term deal (similar to the one they gave Brian McCann in 2008) and he turned it down. By 2009, he was traded to The Muts (because he wouldnt make adjustments at the plate. I'd love to hear stories about the young players who turned down long term deals early in their careers..only to flame out and not make much money at all!

[@titusgroen]

How is "scounting, development, and player retention" anything new?

[@PurelyBaseballYT]

Its not that its “new”. It’s that teams put their money to use in Free Agency, and let it overshadow the other important steps. Especially in the “player retention” topic, teams will usually pass on that, just to save $ by using arbitration years.

[@billybaugus1249]

Austin Riley should have won the MVP in 2021. His numbers wete better then Harper and they won the series

[@Cj-yr3pq]

Trading William Contreras for Sean Murphy was a horrible idea

[@Reeman246]

Can you talk about the pirates please

[@PurelyBaseballYT]

i did in this video! 🔥

[@jmu76featuring61]

It worked cause the players panned out..this is like if the yankees locked up volpe now and he became close to an acuna…but what if he just starts to suck..then it becomes a stupid move..so yeah credit is due to the office..but the players and development made it a smart move..

[@aaronquiambao8134]

Scout - Draft - Develop - Use Trades to upgrade or fill holes - Try to Extend at a lesser value. This is not an Atlanta strategy. Every team tries to do this.

[@PurelyBaseballYT]

Except it has turned into Atlantas strategy. It’s the timeframe they’re able to execute. Year 1, maybe year 2 extensions. The developing has been top of the line. Turning these guys into superstars, and these deals looking extremely team friendly.

[@Washingtonwieners]

Yankees are doing that but there good at finding good young players like volpe, Spencer jones , jasson Dominguez and trying to keep Juan Soto

[@PurelyBaseballYT]

Yeah I really love what the Yankees have done. I made a video on it a few days ago (much more so focusing on Volpe). They did such a good job in recent drafting

[@Washingtonwieners]

@@PurelyBaseballYTagree w vids

[@keithwalter506]

The Braves strategy works well for them because the large area that Braves country covers.. Many, many states! They sign young talent who grew up as Braves fans and lock them up to team friendly, long term deals. It won’t work for other franchises.

[@jamessearsiii7141]

Great edits. Missing a TON of context for every team.

[@PurelyBaseballYT]

Thank you! Hmm like what? I’m always interested in feedback!

[@jamessearsiii7141]

@@PurelyBaseballYT for one, the Braves previous GM being banned from baseball.

[@lionman3378]

This is why the dodgers are struggling

[@thesprock5270]

This is how we used to build teams 10-15+ years ago… 🤣

[@PurelyBaseballYT]

Very true. In Modern Day Baseball, its quite literally a blessing now lol

[@koushaljangid2222]

Hii i am video editor 🙋🙋

[@Jahido34]

maybe don’t be so quick to call the Red Sox a failure. Boston kinda just started this sequence the future wraps around their top 3 prospects with Mayer Anthony and Teel. They also just traded for Vaughn Grissom I doubt they won’t try to extend him at some point before arbitration.

[@PurelyBaseballYT]

As a Red Sox fan, the future is very bright. But the Red Sox have also made a ton of questionable decisions in the process of it all

[@Jahido34]

@@PurelyBaseballYT Idk about you but I was a supporter of Chaim Bloom. He built our farm system from nothing into something and while he didn’t really do anything pitching wise I think they figured it out with the starters currently dealing. I think they could trade like a nick yorke for a SP at the deadline if they’re competing

[@PurelyBaseballYT]

@@Jahido34 I think Bloom often got over-criticized. His drafts all went very well. I love the way he was able to build the farm. But, he really had no idea what he was doing with Starting Pitching. Whether it was the farm system, or free agents.. he struggled with pitching. Although, Whitlock 🔥🔥

[@bravesno1303]

The Strider contract looks a little iffy now. Hope he gets back to full health in 2025. Go Braves!

[@wandameadows5736]

The Atlanta Braves won 13 straight Division Titles by building from within so this is nothing new. Also im sick of hearing 16-25 Million a year is a steal for anyone. The Braves get players that want to be in Atlanta & stay on a team for a long time & put more value in Winning, Stability & Chemistry than $$. Most importantly the Braves do not deal with greedy players that put $$ first. Imagine how greedy you have to be to argue your worth more than 16 Million a Year. The reason Braves fans love the team is because they can get to know the players & connect with them. Also when the Braves commit to a player they really stand by them & a perfect example of this is Marcell Ozuna.

[@danielbh11]

Not every team can convince their young players to accept low ball offers. Albies and Acuna need to fire their agents. Cost them hundreds of millions of dollars

[@PurelyBaseballYT]

I truly question how Albies and Acuna haven’t fired their agent 😂

[@BrianKoontz2]

Besides underpaying their players (get these guys a decent agent Stat) their strategy is to focus on their starting lineup, which is the way to go. Unlike pitchers who are individuals on the mound, hitters synergize with each other. Each good hitter has more than just an additive effect on runs scored. So the best strategy is to have a great offense (especially if you can underpay your players) and decent pitching. Not only is pitching performance largely separate from the other pitchers on the staff, but pitchers get injured, particularly seriously injured, much more often than hitters. Outside of exploiting their own players financially the Braves organization is really smart.

[@alexlevinson8629]

Exploiting? These dudes are still making $10m+ a year. They took chances on them when they were young before they panned out into anything, and gave them long contracts. Sure they could have MAYBE gotten more, or they could have fizzled out and gotten nothing. I’d say they’re doing ok financially… it’s not slavery.

[@Gb_09732]

3:27 is he ??? Id same there about the same imo

[@VallyAnderson]

They didn’t lose Freddie Freeman. They acquired Olsen first and then left no option for Freddie.

[@jeremiah_12]

Freddie was overplaying his hand. The better deal on the table was actually Tampa. It’s funny that Freddie was talking with LA players more than with the Braves (he said it himself). Anyway, both side are happy.

[@PurelyBaseballYT]

He went to FA, and they chose not to resign him. I’d say lost him

[@paullentz1972]

If they had let Freddie sign with another team before acquiring Olsen....The A's would have even more leverage and could have extracted a bigger return for Olsen.

[@belikearu]

all of that just to get swept by the Dodgers and they're in shambles right now 😅

[@osvaldosanchez5450]

Braves have been lucky. Its about to end soon

[@avoax9433]

yea the rotation is completely depleted there only gonna win if there lineup hits and there bullpen

[@99z28atl]

Depleted- too funny- all star Elder, Anderson & Nola coming back, mad Max ’& Lopez were lights out this week, not to mention Sale & Morton. And best bullpen in baseball

[@tacitus7408]

17 million? Ridiculous

[@MASTER-JACK]

as a braves fan, why would you post this. Your revealing are secret.

[@prOGamer-ul5zc]

I'm sorry if this sounds stupid, but why do they call it "core 9 strategy"? Also, this strategy is nothing new.

[@parkercrossland410]

My guess would be 6 bats and 3 arms can win you a ring

[@PurelyBaseballYT]

They call it that, because they always have some sort of a core 9 in players. It used to feature guys like Grissom, Contreras and others. But as they’ve moved on, it’s turned into guys like Sale, Arcia. Then obviously you have Albies, Ozuna, Acuna, and the rest of the bunch

[@prOGamer-ul5zc]

I was just confused because you didn't mention all 9 "core" players. Signing players to long term deals before they reach free agency in order to get team friendly deals is nothing new. A recent example would be the Giants during their championship run. They used that strategy with several players.

[@PurelyBaseballYT]

@@prOGamer-ul5zc while I agree extending players is nothing new. its the way that the Braves do it, is what makes it unique. doing it in a first season, allows for a much friendlier deal.

[@prOGamer-ul5zc]

@@PurelyBaseballYT No doubt, but super risky. Baseball is so hard to predict. Case in point, you mention the Red Sox failures.

[@jameswelch82]

The braves strategy is to find good players, and sign them for cheap. Saved you 8 minutes.

[@PurelyBaseballYT]

Did you expect an expedition to Antartica in search of a player…

[@jameswelch82]

@PurelyBaseballYT No. I guess I was expecting their strategy to be different than any team that's existed in the history of professional sports. Anyways, don't read into it to much. I like your content.

[@PurelyBaseballYT]

@@jameswelch82 except it is different. Extending a player year one, even year two, just isn’t very common. Anyways, glad you enjoy 😂🤝

[@DingDongProdz]

Is this baseball doesn’t exit

[@PurelyBaseballYT]

No, but i’ll take it as a compliment 🙏🐐

[@Fetch049]

Bro, everybody but you knows Fried is walking at the end of the year. He'll get yankee or dodger money and that's fine.

[@PurelyBaseballYT]

No i’m well aware.

[@Fetch049]

@@PurelyBaseballYT then why did you imply the braves will resign him?

[@PurelyBaseballYT]

@@Fetch049 i implied it as a possibility, and questioned what the people think on it

[@rwwilson21]

If he does walk, the only team he's going to is The Dodgers. He was born and raised in LA. so, it would be a like, "screw you guys[Braves country], I'm going home" for him.

[@elchancho8432]

If they want to keep Acuna and Ozzie they’ll have to break the bank eventually

[@tagbanks8279]

Nah they’ll have to pay em more fs but they want to stay in Atlanta

[@elchancho8432]

@@tagbanks8279 Money talks You never know

[@rwwilson21]

@@tagbanks8279 That's what Freeman and Swanson said and are they wearing Braves uniforms?

[@matthewtucker1262]

you forgot to mention taking advantage of the athletics simply not trying and stealing their best 2 players

[@PurelyBaseballYT]

😂😂 fair enough

[@kyleknapp1985]

“Devers is the better player offensively.” Right. Nope. Riley is just better.

[@saifonlawrence2044]

A ball player should never make more than a good MD....that extra money should go back into the community.

[@IamLegendaryguy1998]

Are we gonna get women’s MLB players?

[@RomanStarling70]

Nah

[@harrisonheath694]

no

[@maxwell15.]

No thank u

[@Toews1247]

Never

[@JR_YT97]

It’ll most likely never happen. Maybe they make a professional softball league or something. They might already have it, but I’ve never heard or seen anything.

[@shonuf5152]

The real crime is that the best player in baseball is the third highest paid on the team. He should make at least 30 mil.

[@tagbanks8279]

I mean yes but when they signed him I’m sure nobody thought he’d end up being one of the best, that’s the whole reason giving a big extensions comes with such risk, acuna just turned out to be a dawg

[@shonuf5152]

@breadandcircuses8127 Greedy? One: I'm not asking for a personal raise. Im advocating for Acuña. Two: Are you aware of the salaries of the top players in baseball? What do Ohtani, Betts, Trout, Freeman, Harper, Judge, Rodriquez, Seager, and Altuve make? Pitchers who take the field every five days make more than Acuña. Scherzer, Verlander, Cole, and Strasburg...Considering the revenue he generates and all the accolades, his salary is criminally below market value. He should be at least in the 28-30 mil range.

[@shonuf5152]

@@tagbanks8279 I hear you. Usually, I'm one of the first to frown upon the salaries of over paid athletes. But Acuña's situation is different. They saw what Acuña would become. They knew. They would never even consider including him in trade talks when the Marlins, Dodgers and others desperately wanted him. Fast forward: He obliterated expectations and has outperformed that contract multiple times. This case is an exception. He's criminally underpaid even on the team. He gets less than Olson and Riley? He should be compensated some how.

[@tagbanks8279]

@@shonuf5152 I think he will be compensated very nicely when his next contract comes about

[@marzelsimmons8708]

Hate my marienrs chesp ass owners for not following this stragety. If we had the braves owner and gm. Cal Raleigh, Logan Gilbert, and George Kirby would alreadt be signed for years on a team friendly contract. I dont get why their not doing it its cheaper in the long run and u can keep all your guys

[@Em022]

the mariners should do it but they only care about money.

[@PurelyBaseballYT]

The Mariners should do a lot of things 😂 but…… choose the money

[@shaunbutler238]

The Braves arent signing Fried. Too fragile.

[@PurelyBaseballYT]

Agreed

[@jpeters1734]

what's the strategy? Sign young players to team friendly deals? LOL, isn't that what every team tries to do? You think teams purposefully let their great young players enter free agency so that they can sign a veteran to a worse contract?

[@PurelyBaseballYT]

Trying to do something and doing something is two different things. They take the aggressive approach of first year, even second year extensions. Most teams play the arbitration game to nickel and dime players.

[@drawde41]

Dumpster fire huh? I won't say devers is a gg winner, but he's def not a dumpster fire. You sound like a homer chief.

[@BrianRMeo]

I hate the Braves, i hate all thier faces including Olsen and hes one handsome guy! Lets go Mets 😂

[@ladditude117]

Making this video without talking about the arbitration process.... Pretty half baked video