It’s never too early to start looking ahead, and that’s exactly what Mark Feinsand did at MLB.com, ranking the top 10 players set to test free agency this offseason.
The list is, admittedly, pretty lackluster outside of a few names, but most of them should be on the Braves’ radar, especially with so much money coming off the books.
Mark Feinsand’s Top 10 2027 MLB Free Agents
- Tarik Skubal
- Michael King
- Randy Arozarena
- Jazz Chisholm Jr.
- Seiya Suzuki
- Brandon Lowe
- Clay Holmes
- Casey Mize
- Nick Martinez
- Luis Arraez
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Atlanta was in on Tarik Skubal before he was moved to the Dodgers at the trade deadline, but it would be pretty shocking to see the Braves meet his demands in free agency. Most expect he’ll push for a deal in the $400 million range.
The more realistic targets are guys like Michael King and Clay Holmes. Holmes, in particular, makes a lot of sense given the success he had under Jeremy Hefner when the two were together in Queens.
Casey Mize is an interesting name, but the Braves reportedly had very little interest in acquiring him at the deadline. If that’s true, it’s hard to believe he does anything down the stretch that makes them reconsider and hand him a healthy contract come the offseason.
Left field is another place where the Braves should be looking to upgrade this winter. It’s been a problem area in Atlanta for years, and there’s just no way they can enter another season relying on Jurickson Profar. The Braves would be wise to send a message by cutting him this offseason. Getting suspended twice in a two-year span is unacceptable.
Arozarena is having a monster year for the Mariners and has had some huge moments in the postseason over his career. He’d be a perfect fit in Atlanta, and Seiya Suzuki would be another home run signing. He’s done nothing but rake since signing with the Chicago Cubs, boasting an .823 OPS over his five-year career. If the Braves were able to land either one, their lineup would look like the best in baseball.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. is another intriguing name because of his defensive versatility. Perhaps the Braves see him as an option who can play all over the diamond next season before settling in at second base when Ozzie Albies‘ contract is up. Chisholm has always spoken very fondly of Atlanta — though I’m not sure he’s much of an upgrade over Albies. Arozarena and Suzuki are much more clear fits.
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Photo: Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire