Thanks to Drake Baldwin, who was recently named the National League Rookie of the Year, the Braves were awarded an extra first-round pick — slotted at 26th overall.
That selection could be used to inject much-needed depth into a farm system that’s been depleted in recent years, or it could become a tool to help bolster the roster for 2026. One way Atlanta could leverage it is by signing a free agent who rejected a qualifying offer, which would cost the Braves that pick. It’s a route they’ve clearly been hesitant to take in the past, but with the added draft capital, perhaps Alex Anthopoulos is willing to be a bit more aggressive this time around.
“We’ve had discussions and explored players that [would mean] we’d lose that pick if we signed them,” Anthopoulos said, via Mark Bowman of MLB.com. “We’re not opposed to it, but again, it’s all part of it. You’re weighing it. It’s about alternatives, trades, all that kind of stuff.
“Right player, right deal, we’re very open to it.”
Of the 13 players who were tendered qualifying offers this offseason, four accepted and one — Dylan Cease — has already signed a long-term deal elsewhere. That leaves eight unsigned players still on the market:
- Kyle Schwarber
- Kyle Tucker
- Ranger Suarez
- Framber Valdez
- Bo Bichette
- Edwin Diaz
- Zac Gallen
- Michael King
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All eight of those players would address one of the Braves’ many needs. Kyle Tucker is probably well outside Atlanta’s price range, but Kyle Schwarber would bring a massive jolt to the offense in the DH role. Ranger Suárez, Zac Gallen, Framber Valdez, and Michael King are four of the best starting pitchers on the market. Bo Bichette is the premier shortstop available, and Edwin Díaz remains the best closer in baseball.
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Photo: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
