Unfortunately, the season ended much sooner than we expected and in an embarrassing fashion. But it is never too early to start taking a look at next year, and the Braves have a lot of impending roster decisions to make. Here is the full list:
Josh Donaldson
Donaldson rightfully owns the spot at the top of this list. I expect the Braves to retain him. And according to Alex Anthopoulos, there is mutual interest.
Dallas Keuchel
If Donaldson is 1A, Keuchel is 1B. It will be interesting how his value shakes out. He was a critical piece to the Braves in getting them to the postseason, but he also proved he was not the postseason stud many teams are looking for when handing out lucrative contracts. I know the Braves will be interested in bringing him back, given all their questions in their rotation, but it will have to be at the right price.
Julio Teheran
Teheran has a $12 million club option with a $1 million buyout. This could be the year the Braves finally cut the cord. Although if Teheran can do what he did this year in 2020, he’s well worth the $12 million.
Nick Markakis
Nick Markakis has a manageable $6 million club option next year with a $2 million buyout. However, this might be the year the Braves finally decide to move on.
Chris Martin
Martin performed nicely for the Braves down the stretch. Unfortunately, he suffered an injury in Game 1 of the postseason. I imagine the Braves will have some interest in bringing him back at a reasonable rate.
Tyler Flowers
Flowers has a $6 million club option for 2020. With McCann retiring, the Braves could choose to re-sign him, but the catching position has to be one of the focal points of the offseason.
Francisco Cervelli
Cervelli played extremely well in his short stint with the Braves. If Atlanta wants to move on from Flowers, perhaps they could sign Cervelli at a cheaper rate.
Matt Joyce
I don’t imagine Joyce will command too much in the offseason, and he was a splendid pickup for this team right before the season. He could be worth keeping around as a bench piece, especially with all the question marks in the outfield outside of Ronald Acuña.
Darren O’Day
Going on 37, O’Day might decide to hang it up after this season, especially with all the health issues he’s had over the last couple of years. But he was effective when he returned for Atlanta and made the postseason roster. I wouldn’t completely rule out a return if O’Day wants to keep playing.
Anthony Swarzak
I’d imagine Swarzak’s days in Atlanta have come to a close.
Jerry Blevins
Blevins was a nightmare for left-handed batters, and the Braves don’t have many left-handed relievers. However, you’d think upgrading the bullpen should be a priority this offseason.
Josh Tomlin
I liked what Tomlin brought to the Braves. He was a steady hand as the long relief man which every team needs. He won’t cost much, so I could see Atlanta holding onto him.
Adeiny Hechavarria/Billy Hamilton
Both of these guys were great middle-of-the-season additions, but neither will have a spot on the roster come the start of the 2020 season.