Braves: Potential non-tender targets (National League)

The non-tender deadline took place earlier this week, and the Braves saw themselves release Richard Rodriguez, Johan Camargo, and Jasseel De La Cruz. For different reasons, each of these moves made sense for the Braves, but as we see time and time again in this league, one man’s trash can become another man’s treasure. The Phillies are already trying out that philosophy, as they inked Johan Camargo to a one-year deal last night.

So this begins a two-part season, where I will go over potential free-agent candidates for the Braves that have recently been non-tendered, starting with ones from the National League.

Lewis Brinson

It’s crazy that the Marlins were demanding Ronald Acuna from the Braves in exchange for Christian Yelich and instead had to settle for Lewis Brinson, who they officially non-tendered after four seasons with the team. This would purely be a reclamation project, as Brinson would likely have to spend some time in the minors before receiving a shot in the majors again, especially with the Braves. In four seasons with the Fish, he failed to hit over the Mendoza Line and recorded a .573 OPS. Still, with his upside, he will find a landing spot somewhere.

Robert Gsellman

Gsellman’s career 4.59 ERA is nothing special, but he posted a 3.77 ERA over 28.1 innings last year, and the Braves are still in the market for cheap relief pitching options. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Braves checked in on the former Met.

Wander Suero

Another cheap relief option that could be on the Braves radar, Suero was a significant piece to the Nationals bullpen during their 2019 World Series run and posted a respectable 3.80 ERA during the shortened 2020 campaign. However, he was abysmal last season, posting a 6.33 ERA over 42.2 innings. Still, for what he will cost, I could see the Braves being interested.

Daniel Vogelbach

Vogelback is what you call a three-outcome hitter. He either strikes out, walks, or hits an absolute piss missile into the bleachers. With no lefties currently on the Braves 40-man roster and the DH likely coming to the National League, signing Vogelbach to a small contract or minor-league deal makes some sense.

Jason Adam

In small sample sizes, Adam was really good in 2019 and 2020. Unfortunately, he suffered a dislocated ankle last season, but he was able to return and toss a few scoreless outings before the end of the season. He could be an option on a minor-league deal.