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Talking Chop

https://www.talkingchop.com/ | 719 entries published

Your one stop shop for everything Atlanta Braves

Latest Entries

Braves News: José Azocar deal, New Year’s Eve, and more

Just Baseball’s Aram Leighton reported Tuesday that the Atlanta Braves agreed to a minor league deal with outfielder José Azocar. The deal includes an invite to Spring Training. Azocar spent a very brief period in Atlanta in 2025, where he appeared in just two games. He wrapped up 2025 with the New York Mets, where […]

MLB

2 months ago | 0 reads

This Day in Braves History: Braves trade Eddie Mathews to the Astros

Braves Franchise History 1966 – The Braves trade Eddie Mathews to the Astros. Mathews is the only player to play for the Braves in Boston, Milwaukee and Atlanta.  MLB History 1918 – Kid Gleason replaces Pants Rowland as White Sox manager. Gleason will win the American League pennant in his first season, but it will […]

2 months ago | 2 reads

Offseason open thread: December 30

Welcome to the open thread, folks. We’re one day closer to the New Year? Excited yet? Here’s a random clip:

2 months ago | 0 reads

Where will the Braves rank in steals in 2026?

As an initial stab, you might have guessed that since adopting the power-oriented offensive approach in 2019, the Braves have not been much for accumulating stolen bases. That’s fairly intuitive, but unfortunately, it gets somewhat upended by reality. The Braves finished just inside the top ten in team stolen bases in 2018, and then again […]

2 months ago | 1 read

Braves News: Michael Harris, NL East, More

With 2026 literally two days a way, the hope of better fortune for the Braves next year and beyond compared to 2025 certainly comes into focus. And while the Braves have made plenty of moves this off-season that rightfully make them a better team for next year, it is hard to deny the biggest need […]

2 months ago | 0 reads

What was your holiday haul?

This question is potentially premature for some of you (I spent the first couple of decades of my life celebrating New Year’s with basically the same trappings as U.S.-based commercialized Christmas), but we’re going with it anyway. I’m not much of a fan of receiving gifts, but in a much-appreciated attempt to declutter, my holiday […]

2 months ago | 1 read

Braves News: Free Agents, 2026 draws near, More

With Christmas in the rear view mirror and start of a new week here, it could make sense for some more free agents to find new homes in the coming days. While still in the midst of the holiday season, recent years have shown activity can still be fast and furious. Perhaps the Braves can […]

2 months ago | 1 read

This Day in Braves History: December 29th

Braves Franchise History  1932 – Shanty Hogan, who started his career with the Boston Braves, is purchased by the Braves after five years as the regular catcher for the New York Giants. Boston pays $25,000 for Hogan, who will finish his career with a .295 batting average. 1938 – The Boston Bees acquire Al Simmons […]

2 months ago | 4 reads

Can Braves Country do better than just getting by this year?

I don’t have to tell you that the Braves had a tough year in 2025. The season started with an 0-7 road trip and really never got off the ground. They had 3 starting pitchers go down in the space of five days. Their collective hitting approach was, eh let’s go with interesting. I think […]

2 months ago | 1 read

This Day in Braves History: Milwaukee Braves acquire Danny O’Connell

Braves Franchise History 1953 – The Milwaukee Braves acquire second baseman Danny O’Connell from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for third baseman Sid Gordon, outfielder Sam Jethroe, pitcher Max Surkont and four minor league pitchers. PIttsburgh also receives $100,000.  MLB History 1926 – National League MVP Bob O’Farrell is named to replace Rogers Hornsby as […]

2 months ago | 1 read

Braves News: Holiday doldrums, potential targets, more

Well we’re mostly still waiting for things of significance to resume happening after the Christmas holiday, with a few minor transactions and the Tyler Soderstrom extension standing aside as exceptions. Tatsuya Imai has to sign in the next six days (and he would be a great signing for the Braves’ starting pitching need, even though […]

2 months ago | 1 read

Offseason open thread: December 27

I hope this weird part of the year between Christmas and New Year’s is treating you well. Here’s the random clip:

2 months ago | 0 reads

This Day in Braves History: December 27

Braves Franchise History Here’s a random clip for you: MLB History 1919 – One day after working out a deal to sell Babe Ruth to the Yankees, Red Sox owner Harry Frazee says his team will deal any player except Harry Hooper. They will then deal Hooper to the White Sox following the 1920 season.  […]

2 months ago | 8 reads

Braves News: Joel Payamps analysis, Ronald Acuña Jr. homers, and more

There was no action from the Atlanta Braves following Christmas Day, so there was plenty of time to analyze the boost that right-hander Joel Payamps could bring to the bullpen. Despite his off-putting 2025, 31-year-old Payamps could turn out to be one of the Braves’ most underrated signings this offseason. Let’s dig into his contract […]

2 months ago | 0 reads

Boxing Day open thread

I don’t know if any of y’all actually celebrate Boxing Day but I suppose if you watch the English Premier League, this is a big day (even though there’s only one game on Boxing Day this year). Anyways, I hope everybody is continuing to take it easy out there. Here’s a random clip:

2 months ago | 0 reads

The case for Joel Payamps boosting the Braves bullpen

The Atlanta Braves have been one of the most active teams this offseason, and some could argue they have been the most improved team thus far. It could have been assumed that the Braves would go after bullpen help after not retaining Pierce Johnson and Tyler Kinley, not to mention Raisel Iglesias reaching free agency. […]

2 months ago | 1 read

Christmas Day open thread

Merry Christmas, everybody. If you’ve moseyed on over here during the day, I wish you the best on this lovely holiday and that you’re having as nice of a day as possible. Here’s a random clip:

2 months ago | 0 reads

Braves News: Merry Christmas, Offseason dam break coming, more

Let’s start with a Merry Christmas from everyone at Battery Power. We hope you have a wonderful day with your loved ones whether and/or however you celebrate! Well the dam hasn’t quite broken yet on the bulk of the offseason free agent and trade markets, as this has been a uniquely slow year so far. […]

2 months ago | 1 read

Christmas Eve Open Thread

I truly hope you’re in the holiday spirit or just simply having a good evening out there. Happy Holidays, y’all. Here’s a random clip:

2 months ago | 2 reads

Braves News: Matt Olson season review, Framber Valdez, and more

Tuesday marked another slow day on the news front for the Atlanta Braves, who, surprisingly, have already made some notable moves this offseason. As we wait for the next move, our player review series rolls on and next up, we profile first baseman Matt Olson. Braves News: Framber Valdez might be the answer to the […]

MLB

2 months ago | 2 reads