The Daily Chop: Mike Soroka, Ronald Acuña Jr. injury updates, offseason outlook and more

The Atlanta Braves officially closed the book on the 2020 season as GM Alex Anthopoulos and manager Brian Snitker addressed the media for the final time. Anthoupoulos provided a pair of injury updates and also touched on the upcoming offseason.

On Ronald Acuña Jr., Anthopoulos acknowledged that Acuña was still dealing with wrist soreness but does not think it is something that will require surgery. The wrist hampered Acuña throughout the season and caused him to be placed on the injured list. He told reporters that the wrist was still bothering him following the win over the Reds in the Wild Card Series.

Mike Soroka is two months removed from tearing his right Achilles’ tendon but is wearing shoes and walking without any assistance. It is still unclear when he might be cleared to pitch again. Anthopoulos said that Soroka is doing everything he can to be ready for Opening Day.

On the team’s plans for the offseason, Anthopoulos was not willing to divulge how much the reduced season will impact the team’s payroll going forward. He acknowledged that Marcell Ozuna was tremendous in 2020 and there is interest in having him return but it will depend on the asking price and whether or not the designated hitter remains in the National League for 2021.

Also looming over the club will be a possible extension for Freddie Freeman. Freeman will be entering the final season of his deal in 2021. Anthopoulos called Freeman a key part of the organization and said that he was someone who they plan to have as a Brave for a long time.

More Braves News

Our look back at the 2020 season began Tuesday with closer looks at the team’s offense and rotation.

Our prospect retrospective series continued with a look back at former second baseman Marcus Giles.

MLB News

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said Tuesday that he is hoping to see expanded playoffs and the extra inning rule where a runners starts at second base stick around for next season.

The AP reports that the sale of the New York Mets to Steve Cohen has been approved by Major League Baseball’s ownership committee.

Former Houston Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow denied again that he knew about the team’s sign stealing scheme and said individuals that were involved with the scandal are still working for the club.

Longtime Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina will be a free agent this winter and is reportedly looking for a two-year deal.