It's been a season of change for the Atlanta Braves, who are going through a complete and full rebuild.
It started last year with the trades of Jason Heyward and Craig Kimbrel and continued this offseason with Andrelton Simmons and Shelby Miller both getting swapped for prospects.
However, since it's the holidays, let's get a little festive. What is atop the Braves' wish list this offseason for the 2016 season? Obviously, "winning the World Series" could be on there, just as "a billion dollars" could be on yours. But let's be a little realistic, shall we?
Keep Freddie Freeman
Freeman has six seasons and $121 million left on his contract, but he could still fetch a large return on the trade market. Nonetheless, the 26-year-old is a fan favorite and a core player the Braves could build around. GM John Coppolella has said that he'd "trade my right arm" before dealing Freeman, but desperate times call for desperate measures. If Coppolella gets an offer he can't refuse, he'd have to at least consider it.
More than 67 wins
With a new ballpark being built, the goal is to be competitive in 2017. Well, what about 2016? A repeat of last season season (just 67 wins) would be disheartening, but a modest win total -- let's say 78 wins -- would at least show some improvement and trajectory heading into 2017.
Sean Newcomb's debut
Newcomb, the Angels' first-round draft pick in 2014, was the key piece in the Simmons trade. He's a big lefty who has drawn comparisons to Jon Lester with the stats to back it up. In 33 minor-league starts, he's dealt to a tune of a 2.75 ERA with 186 strikeouts in 150 1/3 innings. The 22-year-old has been a bit wild, walking 82 over the same span, but Braves fans have to be excited about his potential.
Some progress with Wisler
Matt Wisler, 23, struggled a bit in his first taste of the big leagues last season, pitching to a 4.71 ERA in 20 games (19 starts). He did, however, put together an impressive five starts to end the season -- a 2.34 ERA across 34 2/3 innings. If he progresses this season, he could be a solid rotation piece in the near future.
