4. Free Agent Signing?
What do the Atlanta Braves do if Pache is out for an extended amount of time, Inciarte and Heredia struggle, and prospects are deemed not yet ready? If you ask me, this is one of the more intriguing options.
There are a few notable veteran outfield free agents still available that could be interesting options for the Braves to look at. Yes, the defensive alignment would have to be adjusted and it’s a long-shot to happen, but it’s fun to talk about.
Would the Braves look at Yoenis Cespedes?
The end of Cespedes’ Mets tenure was rattled with injuries, but the talent is still there when healthy. Cespedes went 5/31 for the Mets during limited action during the 2020 season, but would provide the Braves with an instant proven option to slide in the line-up and defensively.
If Cespedes proves to be healthy, and he reportedly looked good at a showcase a few weeks ago, should the Braves sign the instant impact power bat who put up some of the best numbers of his career before the injuries in 2018? He’s only 35, and if he’s healthy, the Braves could add a bat still capable of 20+ HRs and above average defense.
What about familiar face Matt Kemp? Kemp hit .239 with the Rockies during the 2020 season, but we’ve seen what Kemp can do. If the Braves were to bring back Kemp in a limited role, would it pay off?
Lastly, what about Yasiel Puig? The Atlanta Braves nearly signed the veteran outfielder last season in a move that most Braves fans were excited about.
Still only 28 years old, Puig hasn’t played since the 2019 season where he hit .267 with 24 HRs and 84 RBIs combined with the Reds and Indians. Puig is a good defender as well, with an arm comparable to Pache’s.
The Atlanta Braves have numerous different options to replace starting center-fielder and top prospect Cristian Pache whether in the short or long-term. Whether it is a call-up, trade, or signing, the Braves should be able to withstand the absence of Pache both offensively and defensively.