We are approaching January, and the Braves have still yet to spend more than $1 million on free agents. It’s understandable for fans to be frustrated, especially after Dansby Swanson signed a deal with the Cubs over the weekend, but there is still time for Alex Anthopoulos to make some moves, and there are several places where the Braves could upgrade their roster.
Best Remaining Free Agent Fits for the Braves
The Braves will not be able to fill the production left from Dansby Swanson’s departure at shortstop, but Iglesias is a decent option that can hit for a high average and play fantastic defense at arguably the most difficult position on the diamond.
I wrote earlier that I don’t believe Andrus is much of an upgrade over what the Braves currently have. He was very good in 2022, but everything suggests severe regression is in line as he enters his age-34 season. Still, he’s an option, especially given his ties to Ron Washington.
I’m intrigued by the idea of Belt. The banning of the shift should help his game, and he was one of the better offensive players in the majors before a forgetful 2022. If the Giants don’t bring him back, I like him as a platoon option that can serve as a designated hitter.
Drury was a 2022 Silver Slugger recipient that can play all over the diamond. It would surprise me if the Braves weren’t one of the many teams interested in his services.
Duvall is coming off season-ending wrist surgery, but he was a monster for the Marlins and Braves in 2021. I would love for Atlanta to bring him back. He could very easily be the Braves answer to their woes in left field.
Grossman isn’t an everyday player, but he had some moments with the Braves after they traded for him last year. I wouldn’t mind seeing him back in Atlanta on a one-year pact.
I’m not a huge fan of Profar, and I think he’s likely to get overpaid this offseason, but there’s no questioning that he’s an upgrade over what the Braves currently have in left field.
Myers might also be a little too pricey for the Braves’ taste, but he would also significantly help bolster Atlanta’s situation in left field. He has a career OPS+ of 111 and is good for 20+ homers a season.
The Braves were linked to Trey Mancini in the past when he was with the Orioles. He makes a lot of sense to help out in left field or as a DH. Mancini is also well-known for his tremendous locker room presence, which the Braves put a high value on.
Starting pitching is currently a strength of the Braves, but you can never have enough pitching, and Eovaldi is only a year removed from posting a 5.7 WAR season for the Red Sox. Adding him to the roster would give the Braves the best five-man rotation in baseball.
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Photo: Leslie Plaza Johnson/Icon Sports
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