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.
Joey Gallo
If it’s straight power you are looking for, no team should look past Joey Gallo of the Texas Rangers who might be the most modern day power threat. Of course, any team that would be looking to acquire Gallo from Texas would have to deal with a low average in trade for that power.
Gallo would most likely love hitting in Atlanta as he could play pepper with the chophouse out in right field and do lots of trots around the bases.
Gallo is still young having just turned 27, and is under club control for a few more seasons. The new Rangers front office might want to go ahead and cash in on him now and maybe the Atlanta Braves would have interest if so?
Marcell Ozuna
No other option would be more simple than simply bringing back the man who lit it up in 2020. Marcell Ozuna seemed to enjoy his time with the Braves and the fans would love to have him back as well.
By now, we have all heard about his lackluster defense and maybe the Braves are trepid to trot him out there without the assurance of the DH. I think I speak for most though that we would be willing to sacrifice 1 year of potential sub-par defense to have Ozuna’s bat back in this lineup for a few more seasons.
Would Ozuna be as good as he was in 2020 if he were to come back? Probably not, but that’s only because he had a dream year last season. I do not think anyone would have a problem if he were to come back and run the same lineup out there again in 2021.
Kris Bryant
No doubt that Kris Bryant’s 2020 season was his worst so far in his career but he has simply too much talent to not bounce back and at least get close to his normal career numbers.
The Cubs have seeming started a small scale rebuild at least and are one of many clubs looking to shed salary and moving Bryant would do just that and get a couple young pieces before he likely moves on from them via free agency next Winter.
Kris Bryant coming to the Atlanta Braves could be another version of a 1 year plug in for the Braves.
Eugenio Suarez
Another NL Central club who is seemingly trying to move anyone who is owed decent money. Eugenio Suarez is another big time power threat that does come with a little give off via the average column. However, if the Braves are willing to live with that, perhaps Suarez could be of great value?
Suarez is not the priciest option here but he is signed through the 2024 season at worst for the reasonable margin of around $11M per season.
Nolan Arenado
The biggest fish in all of the sea though lies in the Rocky mountains of Denver. Nolan Arenado is a premier player in the game and almost any club would attempt to pry him away. The Atlanta Braves would be no different.
The defense is premier, and the power is as well. I do believe Arenado would be just as good outside of Coors as he has been inside it.
The only holdup is the contract. Arenado has the option to opt out after the 2021 season and most teams are not going to give up lots of good young talent for 1 year despite how good he is. That would be something that maybe the clubs and the player could work out if a deal were to come together.
Next. Shopping in Chicago. dark
So these are five options for the Atlanta Braves to pursue if they so wish. There is tons of other options to go for as well if they so choose. who would you like the Atlanta Braves to after to insert in the middle of the order? Let us know in the comment section below.