This is the third part of a free agent preview of the 2014-2015 class. These previews are being done before the end of the season, so numerous players on this list may re-sign with their current team or have a contract option that is picked up.
Outfielders
Bobby Abreu, 41: .252/.340/.346, 147 PA
Norichika Aoki, 33: .284/.351/.357, 526 PA
Melky Cabrera, 30: .301/.351/.458, 621 PA
Endy Chavez, 37: .277/.319/.372, 255 PA
Tyler Colvin, 29: .223/.268/.381, 149 PA
Nelson Cruz, 34: .267/.332/.523, 656 PA
Chris Denorfia, 34: .232/.285/.320, 356 PA
Jonny Gomes, 34: .231/.324/.328, 315 PA
Franklin Gutierrez, 32: DNP in 2013
Tony Gwynn, Jr., 32: .152/.264/.190, 126 PA
Scott Hairston, 35: .205/.244/.301, 82 PA
Torii Hunter, 39: .287/.320/.451, 560 PA
Reed Johnson, 38: .232/.265/.345, 191 PA
Jason Kubel, 33: .224/.313/.295, 176 PA
Ryan Ludwick, 36 – $9M mutual option: .245/.305/.379, 391 PA
Nick Markakis, 31 – $17.5M mutual option: .271/.336/.373, 688 PA
Nyjer Morgan, 34: .341/.429/.439, 52 PA
Colby Rasmus, 28: .225/.287/.448, 376 PA
Alex Rios, 34 – $13.5M club option: .280/.311/.398, 521 PA
Nate Schierholtz, 31: .191/.237/.303, 375 PA
Grady Sizemore, 32: .235/.298/.358, 373 PA
Alfonso Soriano, 39: .221/.244/.367, 238 PA
Denard Span, 31 – $9M club option: .298/.352/.413, 657 PA
Ichiro Suzuki, 41: .286/.325/.335, 358 PA
Yasmani Tomas, 24: Cuban defector
Josh Willingham, 36: .218/.349/.401, 361 PA
Chris B Young, 31: .214/.290/.382, 342 PA
Delmon Young, 29: .302/.339/.447, 248 PA
Outfield is an interesting area for the Braves going into the offseason. There are major questions at every position. Jason Heyward and Justin Upton are both free agents and will be tough to afford together in 2016, so it would make sense to maximize their value now and trade one while extending the other. I’m not sure the Braves should do that, but it seems like that would be very wise business. B.J. Upton, on the other hand, needs to be gone, lest Braves fans revolt in spite of the front office shakeup that’s already happened. B.J. has become the focal player for Braves fans’ frustration with the club, and his contract has hamstrung the team financially while also forcing the team with a player producing subpar production even at a minimal salary. How the Braves answer the questions above will tremendously shape how they approach the outfield free agent class.
I would love to see the following happen: extend Heyward wisely, trade Justin Upton for a solid return, and trade away BJ Upton for anything possible in return. The rumored Edwin Jackson deal would be a worthwhile deal to examine for the Braves for certain. That would leave LF and CF/RF open (depending on where Heyward is played). At that, I don’t believe guys like Rios and Span will hit the market, sadly, and guys like Melky, Cruz, and Tomas will bring far too high a salary for the Braves to afford. One thing I would love to see is a veteran, fiery leader, and that’s why I would be quick to talk with former Twins Torii Hunter and Michael Cuddyer about playing RF for the 2015 Braves. That leaves LF open. I would work Evan Gattis in left field in the offseason and find his ability to handle the position defensively and then consider someone to pair with Gattis that gives the Braves a solid contact bat, like Aoki. I believe Hunter, Cuddyer, and Aoki could all be signed for a 1-2 year contract for a very reasonable rate. With some solid possible options coming up the system and some (like Todd Cunningham and Joey Terdoslavich) ready to press for the opportunity at the big league club sooner rather than later, long-term commitments should be something the Braves avoid.