Atlanta Braves general manager admits "the clubhouse was rattled" while recapping turbulent free agency week with 2021 MLB champs

Atlanta Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos recently discussed the team's reaction to its wild free agency period. "The clubhouse was rattled," he said regarding the team's response. The Atlanta Braves have made some significant changes to their roster. This includes the key departures of Freddie Freeman and Jorge Soler to rival National League contenders.

The Atlanta Braves have also made some additions to their roster to counterbalance these losses. Most notably, the Atlanta Braves traded for star first baseman Matt Olson. The Braves also added long-time Los Angeles Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen. These significant changes had the clubhouse feeling uneasy about how the roster would end up.

"'The clubhouse was rattled.' On an amazing new Starkville, #Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos recaps his wild, turbulent, emotional week," Jason Stark tweeted. Here's what Anthopoulos had to say, "They would embrace him anyways, but he's here, and he's one of us, and he's part of this core, and there's no ambiguity. I believe, and the players may agree or not agree, I believe there's something to that, because we need these guys to gel, and we need these guys to come together. And when he knows he's here to stay, and he doesn't have to worry about 'I need to have a good season because I have to play year-to-year' and 'where am I going to be' and the uncertainty and his teammates feel the same way. If that meant we give up a little more in trade, and if that meant we give up a little more on the extension, I don't know how to quantify it, but I do believe having those things in place at that moment in time, considering how emotional it was with the signaling of Freddie not coming back, and the clubhouse was rattled, that's fair to say. I thought that was important because we have a short period of time to get ready, and I think every single win is going to count."

Atlanta Braves roster outlook

Many within the Atlanta Braves organization will feel the loss of Freddie Freeman, but the team should still be one of the top contenders in the National League this season. Ronald Acuna Jr., who was unable to play the second half of the 2021 season due to an ACL injury, will return in 2022, though he will likely miss the first month of the season.

The Braves current projected lineup for Opening Day is below.

1. Ozzie Albies, 2B
2. Matt Olson, 1B
3. Austin Riley, 3B
4. Marcell Ozuna, OF
5. Adam Duvall, OF
6. Eddie Rosario, OF
7. Dansby Swanson, SS
8. Alex Dickerson, DH
9. Travis d'Arnaud, C

"Braves 2022 season preview: Projected lineup, rotation and three questions for new-look reigning champs" - @ CBS Sports MLB

When Ronald Acuna Jr. gets back from his injury, Marcell Ozuna will likely be moved to designated hitter and Acuna will fill in at center field. This lineup should still be among the best in baseball. When Ronald Acuna Jr. gets back from his injury, the Braves should be a legitimate threat to repeat as World Series champions.

Kenley Jansen while with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Braves rotation should also be strong and will be headlined by the likes of Max Fried, Charlie Morton, Ian Anderson, and Mike Soroka. The team should have no problems with depth in the rotation. With newly-signed Kenley Jansen as a closer, the pitching staff seems set for a successful 2022 season.

Overall, watch for the new-look Atlanta Braves to be among the legitimate contenders in the National League this season. The bullpen seems more improved, the lineup is arguably just as good without Freddie Freeman, and the starting rotation has plenty of depth. The Braves will look to repeat as champions as the 2022 season begins.