While the Braves rotation could use another proven commodity, the outfield is in a much more dire position as the season approaches. Michael Harris II is the only healthy starting caliber outfielder currently rostered. Left field and right field are both very concerning areas, especially with Acuña’s status up in the air. The 2023 NL MVP is expected to miss at least the first six weeks of the season, and even when he is ready to return, there is no guarantee he’ll be capable of playing defensively.
The Braves need to add at least one starting caliber outfield before the start of the season, and the free agent market is thinning quickly. Among the quality options still available, Teoscar Hernandez would be an ideal addition, and his contract demands are not too outlandish.
According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, Hernandez is looking for a three-year contract with an AAV south of $25 million.
“The Dodgers and Hernández seemed headed for a reunion, but the two sides haven’t been able to reach a deal thus far. That opened the door for other teams – namely the Red Sox and Blue Jays – to jump in on the outfielder, who is seeking a three-year deal in the $22-24 million a year range, per sources,” Feinsand writes.
The Braves have not been among the teams connected to Teoscar Hernandez, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t made contact. This is a club that’s notorious for being radio silent before striking a deal, and it would make sense for them to inquire about Hernandez’s services. $22-24 million is nothing to scoff at, but in this crazy free agent market, it would be one of the more sensible deals this offseason.
Hernandez is coming off a season in which he hit a career-high 33 homers to go along with an .840 OPS. He has at least 25 homers in every full season dating back to 2019, boasting an .808 OPS and 121 OPS+ (21% above league average) for his career.
Over the last several years, the Braves have neglected to pay sticker price for outfielders, instead looking for stopgap options from season to season. In some cases, it’s worked, as it did in 2021. But in most years, it’s come back to bite them. Perhaps it’s time for them to stop looking in the bargain bin and finally dole out some cash for one of the top free agents that appears to be available at a more than palatable price tag.
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Photo: Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire
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