This Sunday marks a significant event in the baseball world as the annual Winter Meetings for Major League Baseball get underway. These four-day gatherings bring together front office members, agents, and some players, creating a major offseason spectacle that is taking place in Dallas this year. While some meetings may pass without much newsworthy action, there are always potential trades and developments that can shake up the league.

Uncover the Potential at the Winter Meetings

Baseball's Offseason: A Slow Start

The offseason for baseball has been relatively quiet so far. The big decision of Juan Soto's free agency remains unresolved, but there are rumors that it could be settled next week. If that happens, the Winter Meetings could play a crucial role in finalizing any potential deal. Once Soto signs his mega-deal, it is expected that the rest of the market will start to heat up, with teams vying for the remaining free agents.

Meanwhile, the Braves have been active since the end of the season. They made the first trade of the offseason by sending Jorge Soler to the Angels in exchange for Griffin Canning. However, Canning is no longer with the Braves after the non-tender deadline. Ramón Laureano and Huascar Ynoa are also free agents, adding to the Braves' offseason roster decisions.

Max Fried's Free Agency and Potential Reunions

Max Fried is on the market after declining the Qualifying Offer from the Braves. While a reunion with the team makes sense, it wouldn't be surprising if he finds a new team to pitch for in 2025 and beyond. Reunions with A.J. Minter and Charlie Morton are also possible, but only time will tell if these will happen.

The Braves have some key positions that need attention. With stars Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider expected to be late to the early-season party due to injuries, and Joe Jiménez likely to miss most of the upcoming season, the team needs to fortify their roster. A middle-of-the-rotation starting pitcher would be a valuable addition, as would an outfield bat and an improvement at shortstop. The bullpen could also use some reinforcements.

Potential Trades and Rumors

Earlier in the offseason, the Braves were linked to Walker Buehler and Nathan Eovaldi, indicating their interest in shoring up their rotation. They have also been rumored to be interested in Willy Adames to improve at shortstop. While the Braves have a history of making trades and contract extensions rather than big free agency splashes, it's not impossible that they could pursue any of these options. Starting pitching seems to be the most pressing need that needs to be addressed.

Winter Meetings Happenings

In addition to potential trades, the Winter Meetings also bring other events. The results of the Hall of Fame's Classic Baseball Era will be revealed on Sunday night, determining if Dick Allen, Ken Boyer, John Donaldson, Steve Garvey, Vic Harris, Tommy John, Dave Parker, and Luis Tiant will be inducted into Cooperstown.

The MLB Draft Lottery will be held on Tuesday, December 10, and although the Braves are not involved, they will know their draft position once it is finished. The Rockies and Marlins currently have the top odds of landing the first overall pick. The White Sox, despite having the worst season in modern baseball history, are not eligible for the lottery.

The Rule 5 Draft

The Rule 5 Draft will take place on Wednesday, December 11. The Braves added Domingo Gonzalez to their 40-man roster to protect him, but some other prospects are at risk of being selected. While it's not likely, it's a possibility that the Braves could lose a prospect in the draft.