The Braves have mostly filled all of their needs this offseason. The pitching staff is set to be the strongest in recent memory, featuring incredible depth in the rotation and bullpen. The offense didn’t need many additions, but Jarred Kelenic fills the Braves most glaring hole in left field. I don’t see Atlanta making anything more than minor additions, but a fourth outfielder who can potentially platoon with Jarred Kelenic isn’t a want; it’s a need.
Here are some guys that won’t break the bank and make sense for that role.
Adam Duvall
I’ve been pounding the pavement for Adam Duvall to return ever since he left for the Boston Red Sox. The fit just makes too much sense. He can play all three outfield positions and his power bat from the right side pairs nicely with Jarred Kelenic. Duvall can also serve as a designated hitter if Marcell Ozuna experiences some regression, allowing Brian Snitker to play the hot hand. The only question is do the Braves have enough money to sign someone of Duvall’s caliber, and would Duvall be willing to take a lesser role in Atlanta when he could probably receive more at-bats elsewhere?
Michael A. Taylor
Taylor is another player that could be slightly out of the Braves price range, but I would love to add him to the roster. He also can play all over the outfield and is coming off one of his best offensive seasons, hitting 21 homers in 129 games for the Twins. Another right-handed bat that could platoon nicely with Jarred Kelenic.
Aaron Hicks
Once a borderline All-Star outfielder for the Yankees, Hicks eventually lost his job and was released this past season. However, he was picked up by the Orioles and was a really productive option for them, recording an .806 OPS in 65 games. Like the first two guys on this list, he can play all three outfield positions and he crushed left-handed pitching last year, recording a .970 OPS.
Kevin Pillar
There hasn’t been much noise about Kevin Pillar returning to Atlanta, and the Braves could probably stand to upgrade, but he had his moments last year and is a fantastic veteran to have around in the clubhouse. The Braves could do a lot worse.
Tommy Pham
Like Duvall and Taylor, Pham may be out of the Braves price range. He could also be looking for a more permanent role and multi-year contract. With that being said, Pham is heralded for his clubhouse presence and was outstanding during the Diamondbacks’ Cinderella postseason run last year. He’d be a fantastic addition to the Braves.
Austin Meadows
Meadows looked like he was a star in the making when he was with the Rays, but he was traded to Detroit prior to the 2022 season and has only played in 42 games over the last two seasons while dealing with anxiety issues. I’m not even sure Meadows’ focus is on baseball anymore, and perhaps his career is over. Â The Braves probably would also like a more versatile defender as their fourth outfielder. However, if he’s ready to return, it might be worth a flier.
Travis Jankowski
Jankowksi recently served as the Texas Rangers fourth outfielder, helping them to a World Series and stepping in for Adolis Garcia when he was injured. He doesn’t offer much pop with the bat, but he can get on base at a decent clip, steal bases, and play great defense. The only issue is Jankowski is a lefty, which doesn’t make him a viable platoon option for Jarred Kelenic.
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Photo: Chris Leduc/Icon Sportswire
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