With MLB free agency just around the corner, activity will soon ramp up following the World Series. The Braves are expected to be front and center in a lot of discussions, primarily around Max Fried, but they could also be contenders in the Willy Adames sweepstakes as they aim to solidify the shortstop position.
Historically, however, Alex Anthopoulos has shown a tendency to pull back when the bidding gets too intense. While the Braves are no strangers to making bold moves, they often prefer trades over high-stakes free-agent contracts. The largest free-agent deal Anthopoulos has handed out was a four-year, $65 million contract to Marcell Ozuna before the 2021 season. Landing Fried or Adames would likely cost well over double that.
Realistically, the Braves might target the next tier of free agents to address their needs at shortstop, in the outfield, and on the mound. Here are three affordable players who should be on the Braves’ radar this offseason.
Max Kepler
The Braves’ outfield is more of a priority than some fans might realize. Jorge Soler and Marcell Ozuna are both best suited as designated hitters, making it essential for the Braves to trade one this offseason to avoid a defensive liability in the outfield. That leaves right field potentially up in the air if Ronald Acuña Jr.‘s health remains a concern.
However, left field is the bigger issue. Jarred Kelenic ended the season in a bench role, and he may not be the breakout star the Braves hoped for when they traded for him. Adding competition—or even a reliable starter—seems like the best path forward.
Max Kepler had a rough season, posting a .682 OPS in 105 games with the Twins while battling knee and hip injuries that eventually ended his year. But just a season ago, he hit 24 home runs with an .816 OPS, and Spotrac estimates his market value at around three years for $30 million. That’s affordable, and Kepler’s injury history could bring the price down further.
Randal Grichuk
Grichuk is coming off a solid season, hitting .291 with 12 homers and an .875 OPS. He and the Diamondbacks might choose to exercise his $6 million mutual option for 2025, but Grichuk could opt out in search of a multi-year deal.
While he may not be an everyday starter, Grichuk has consistently excelled against left-handed pitching, posting an .833 OPS for his career, with an impressive .914 mark this year. This would be valuable to the Braves, who may still want to test Kelenic against righties. A Grichuk-Kelenic platoon could work well in left field, though Grichuk’s defense might be a drawback.
Matthew Boyd
If the Braves are unable to re-sign Fried and if Charlie Morton retires, they may need budget-friendly, high-upside options to round out their rotation. Matthew Boyd could fit the bill perfectly.
Once a promising starter for the Tigers, Boyd struggled with consistency in Detroit before moving around the league. Though Tommy John surgery sidelined him in 2023, he returned strong with Cleveland, recording a 2.72 ERA and 10.4 K/9 in eight regular season starts, followed by 11.2 innings of one-run ball in the playoffs.
Due to Boyd’s injury history and inconsistent track record, a one-year deal may be his best option to rebuild value with a contender like the Braves.
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