Potential Power hitters for the Atlanta Braves

The Atlanta Braves really need a middle of the order type of bat. These are some of the players who could possibly be a fit.

Over the last couple of days, we have seen the San Diego Padres likely jump the Atlanta Braves in the NL hierarchy of teams. Of course both are still chasing the Dodgers and the Mets are still lurking out there with a ton of money.

The Atlanta Braves really do only have one glaring need though. A middle of the order power bat who can drive in runs and protect Freddie Freeman so he can possibly have another MVP type of season.

Plenty of options remain on both the free agent market and the trade block as this Winter’s moves have been slow as many of us predicted would be the case. So far it seems as if the Braves have been one of the few teams not actively looking to shed salary and in fact, possibly boost it some. That is another factor that could play right into the Atlanta Braves front office’s hands.

Of course, over the last few seasons we have become accustomed to General Manager Alex Anthopolous finding his power bat on a 1 year deal in free agency. Perhaps, he is attempting to make the same play again this year but all of the “power” free agents do not seem likely to go down that route.

Another factor to determine here is where this player could play, especially if the DH rule does not indeed come back to the NL. (If it were, a few more options would be open though). Catcher, first base, second base, shortstop, and at least two thirds of the outfield seem set in stone, therefore leaving us to predict that it would have to be a hitter who could play either the hot corner or the outfield.

That has led us to our search. We have focused on those two spots and have come up with the following five players.