Top 5 Atlanta Braves Set to Become Free Agents in 2022
By Seth Carter
A ranking and breakdown of the top Atlanta Braves whose contracts will end with the 2021 World Series. Who do we re-sign? What will our budget be? Will there be a DH? There is a lot to consider…Let’s go!
Before we get started taking a look at the top five free agents to be for the Atlanta Braves in 2022, I have a warning. This article does not include players with options. Now you may proceed!
No. 5 Atlanta Braves 2022 Free Agent: Ehire Adrianza
The veteran utility-man was a valuable tool off of a once thin bench for the Braves early in the season. Ehire Adrianza played at six different positions and made 72 pinch-hit appearances in 2021.
Here’s a nice memory from an early May victory over the Phillies in which the Braves overcame a three-run deficit. Adrianza went 3-3 with the walk-off RBI.
No. 4 Atlanta Braves 2022 Free Agent: Drew Smyly
Drew Smyly may not have lived up to the expectations Braves fans had when he inked an $11 million contract for 2021, but he was a solid arm for the team. Drew made 23 starts for the Braves and went 11-4 with a 4.48 ERA on the season.
Ultimately, he ended up in a long-relief role for the team, posting a 1.64 ERA out of the bullpen.
His ability to eat innings out of the pen has been a real advantage for the team down the stretch and into the postseason.
In pivotal Game 4 of the NLCS, the Braves opted to go with an opener instead of a traditional starter. “Opener” is not exactly what you want to hear when you are playing the Dodgers in the postseason, but it worked out swimmingly.
Jesse Chavez took the first inning and gave way to Smyly, who led the team in innings pitched (3.2) in the 9-2 victory. The Braves went up 3-1 on the Dodgers thanks in part to Smyly’s efforts.