The Braves players and coaching staff are focused on the 2024 campaign, but certain facets of the organization have their attention on the winter and the 2025 season.
With many players locked up to long-term deals, there won’t be many holes to fill, but there are some substantial concerns that must be addressed. None more gaping than the hole Max Fried could potentially create by signing elsewhere in free agency.
The Braves ace came in as the 6th ranked potential free agent on Jim Bowden of The Athletic’s list of the top free agents this upcoming offseason, followed by Marcell Ozuna at 9th and Charlie Morton at 34th.
6. Max Fried, LHP, Braves
Age: 30
WAR: 2.0 ERA+: 118
At one point or another, the Braves have undoubtedly tried to extend Max Fried, but he hasn’t taken the bait, and now he’s in line for a massive contract when he tests the open market. A veteran southpaw with an ERA that floats around 3.00 over eight seasons is going to cost an arm and a leg. I expect the Braves to be involved until the end, but they might have to go out of their comfort zone to bring him back, something they’ve shown no interest in doing since Alex Anthopoulos took over as general manager.
9. Marcell Ozuna, DH, Braves (club option)
Age: 33
WAR: 3.7 OPS+: 162
Other than Shohei Ohtani, Marcell Ozuna has been arguably the best designated hitter in baseball over the last two seasons. If the Braves don’t pick up his $16 million option for next season, he’ll have no shortage of suitors, which is why it’s likely he remains in Atlanta for at least one more year. However, the Braves could have a conundrum on their hands. Jorge Soler is also best served as a DH, and Ronald Acuña Jr. is coming off his second surgery for a torn ACL. There’s an outside chance the Braves believe they could find a better use for that $16 million and let Ozuna walk.
34. Charlie Morton, RHP, Braves
Age: 40
WAR: 0.2 ERA+: 94
Charlie Morton has been beat up in each of his past few outings, and Father Time may finally have caught up with him. The Braves might have him back if he felt up for it, but I think retirement is looming for Uncle Chuck.
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One name that didn’t appear on the list that should is AJ Minter. The barreling reliever is among the best setup men in baseball. Much like Fried, Minter has been one of the most reliable arms for Brian Snitker since the Braves started winning the NL East in 2018.
The 30-year-old owns a 3.28 ERA and 36 saves in 384 games, including a 2.62 ERA and one save in 39 appearances out of the bullpen this season. What would make him even more valuable on the free agent market is his track record in the postseason. Across 20 appearances with the Braves in the playoffs, he owns a 2.88 ERA to go along with a 13 K/9.
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David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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