How will the Atlanta Braves infield look next year? I believe there will be several familiar faces.
Catcher- Travis d’Arnaud
Travis d’Arnaud‘s two-year deal with the Atlanta Braves comes to an end after this season, however, it might make sense for both sides to come to an agreement for another year.
d’Arnaud had a great year in 2020, but unfortunately, his 2021 has been spent mostly on the injured list. There could be some appeal to bring d’Arnaud back for one more year.
One issue with this is d’Arnaud may desire a longer-term contract going into his age 33 season. The Braves could potentially offer a second year as a vesting option. The decision at catcher will also be influenced by the Braves’ confidence levels in Williams Contreras and Shea Langeliers.
Confidence: Coinflip- 50/50
First Base- Freddie Freeman
The question that all Braves fans have asked for the last calendar year, will the Braves re-sign Freddie Freeman? As of right now, I lean towards Freddie being back in 2022.
A Twitter poll shows that most Braves fans agree.
Who will Freddie Freeman play for in 2022?
— Trent (@Trenciarte) August 2, 2021
However, I am less confident now than I was a few months ago. I was holding out hope a deal would get done over the All-Star break but that did not happen.
Now it is a real possibility that Freeman enters the open market. There should be several suitors for his services, meaning the Braves will have their work cut out for them to bring back their MVP.
Freddie and the Braves have both said there is interest in working out an extension. As of right now, I am choosing to believe it happens.
Confidence: Hopeful but worried
Second Base- Ozzie Albies
This is the easiest prediction of the entire infield. If Ozzie Albies is not playing second base for the Braves next year, I would be surprised.
The young superstar is locked up for the next several years and figures to hit near the top of the Braves lineup over that time period.
Confidence: Lock
Third Base- Austin Riley
What a year for Austin Riley. A few months ago, most would have agreed that this was a big year for Riley, and there were some that thought it was a make-or-break year.
Thankfully, it looks like Riley is starting to put it together. With multiple years of control remaining, I think we can slot him in at the hot corner for 2022 and beyond.
Confidence: Lock
Short Stop- Dansby Swanson
This is one of the trickier positions to predict. There was some speculation a few months ago that Dansby Swanson could be a non-tender candidate if he had a poor season.
2021 has been Swanson’s best season (excluding the short 2020 season) to date. However, Swanson is not a superstar player like some would have hoped given his former top prospect status.
While he is no superstar, Swanson is still a solid player. He may never be anything more than a league-average hitter, but he should always provide plus defense at short. He would benefit any team by hitting in the bottom third of the order and playing solid defense.
The biggest issue could be his arbitration salary this off-season. If he does not sign an extension this, he will probably earn somewhere in the ten-million-dollar range. Unless the Braves sign one of the bigger ticket free agents at shortstop this winter, Swanson should be back in 2022.