Mike Plant's comments could signal payroll increase

Braves President Mike Plant says the team is "set up to win"

Tim Tucker of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Thursday that Mike Plant, President and CEO of Braves Development Company, made some interesting comments to a group of investors in New York.

“We’re set up to win, and we’re going to go after it,” Plant reportedly told the conference.

So, what does that exactly mean? Are the Braves perhaps going to have more money to improve the team this winter than we may have imagined?

Spotrac.com reports the Braves adjusted payroll for last season was right under $144 million. Would they perhaps improve a 10% increase to get the payroll over the $150 million mark?

With the addition of reliever Will Smith, the Braves payroll is projected to be near $107 million right now. If the payroll will be around $150 million, that would give the Braves $40 million or so to fill the remaining needs.

Of course, several things could happen to open up more payroll flexibility. Luke Jackson, projected by MLB Trade Rumors to make $1.9 million in arbitration, could be non-tendered. Grant Dayton, projected to make $800,000, could suffer the same fate.

The Braves could also trade a player with a salary in a large trade, someone like Ender Inciarte, who is scheduled to make $7.7 million in 2020.

The Braves still need a catcher, a power hitter and at least one starting pitcher. If Josh Donaldson leaves, as expected, the Braves will likely seek a cleanup hitter that plays either third base or the outfield. If it’s an outfielder that is acquired, the Braves could play Austin Riley (still on a low contract) or Johan Camargo (projected to make $1.6 million in arbitration) at third base.

If Plant’s comments are an indication that the Braves are “going to go after it,” then it’s safe to assume the team is willing to spend more to get over the playoff hump. Signing a big-time starting pitcher may be next on general manager Alex Anthopoulos’ list of priorities, and if ownership is loosening the purse strings, he will have a better chance of improving the roster.

Listen to The Bill Shanks Show weekdays at 3:00 p.m. ET on Middle Georgia’s ESPN. You can listen online at TheSuperStations.com. Follow Bill on Twitter at @billshanks and you can email him at thebillshanksshow@yahoo.com.