7 Braves Facing Uncertain Futures Heading Into 2022

As we look towards the 2022 season for the Atlanta Braves, there are several players who have some uncertain futures with the team. 

With everyone still basking in the glory of winning a World Series in 2021, it’s sometimes hard to pivot and realize that group of players won’t be together forever. In fact, the Atlanta Braves will have some really tough decisions on some of these guys really soon.

Whether it be the end of a contract, a drop-off in performance, injuries, or off-the-field circumstances, the Braves have several players entering 2022 with uncertain futures with the team.

Braves with Uncertain Futures — Dansby Swanson

At the top of this list is obviously shortstop Dansby Swanson. This coming up season will be his last through arbitration before hitting free agency at the prime age of 28 years old.

The fanbase is pretty split on Dansby with half loving him and never wanting him to leave and the other half thinking he’s overrated and needs to be traded now for an upgrade.

I’m more on the side of people who love Dansby and want to see him be the shortstop of the future in Atlanta. I believe he’s a winning player and think there is potential for him to improve.

But even more than that, I just don’t see a realistic upgrade available that is better than Dansby. The Braves aren’t going to sign Carlos Correa or Trevor Story this offseason, or Trea Turner next offseason — but boy I’d love it if they signed Turner.

There isn’t anyone in the system ready to step in and takes Dansby’s place. Maybe if Braden Shewmake has a breakout 2022, or if Vaugh Grissom moves quickly.

Still, that would be asking a lot for a team trying to win a championship with a rookie at the most important position on the field where you need a leader — and Dansby is certainly that.

I’m not saying Dansby is a top-10 shortstop and the Braves should pay him whatever, but they could do worse.

I do believe the Braves will try to bring him back for four years at around $12-$14 million a year. Then it will all come down to whether or not Dansby wants to stick in Atlanta or take a shot elsewhere for more money because I think he’ll get higher offers than that in free agency.

But a lot will depend on how he performs in 2022. If he reaches the level many of us think he can reach .270/.330/.450 with 20-plus home runs and double-digit stolen bases, I think he’ll have plenty of suitors, including the Braves.

Braves with Uncertain Futures — Will Smith

Will Smith enters the final guaranteed year of his contract in 2022. There is a $13 million team option in 2023 with a $1 million buyout.

Like Dansby, Will Smith is somewhat of a divisive player among the fanbase. Outside of 2020, which was just a weird year for Smith, the numbers are actually really good.

His K%, chase rate, and Whiff% remain among the best in baseball. However, the increase of HardHit% and Avg Exit Velocity is somewhat concerning and not near the elite levels he had back in 2018.

He doesn’t have the typical stuff of a closer, but when that slider is biting, it’s one devastating pitch.

Still, it’s difficult for me to see the Braves picking up that $13 million option. Especially when they could have A.J. Minter, Tyler Matzek, or perhaps even Kirby Yates ready to step into the closer’s role in 2023.

If Smith wanted to stay at home in Atlanta, I think the Braves would be on board for bringing him back on a much smaller contract to be the 7th or 8th inning guy.

But if Smith wants another job as a closer — and get closer money — then this is probably his last season with the Braves.

Braves with Uncertain Futures — Touki Toussaint/Sean Newcomb

I’m grouping these two together as they’re both pretty much in the same boat and on this list for the same reason.

Both have struggled as starters but have tremendous upside. I think both could be really solid in the bullpen, but it sounds like they both want another shot to start.

If they are even still with Atlanta when the 2022 season starts, it will certainly be a big year for them and perhaps their last chance(s) to prove they can be a part of the future rotation.

My prediction is that they’ll both be traded at some point this year and get a fresh start somewhere else, which is probably what they need at this point.

Braves with Uncertain Futures — Kyle Wright

Kyle Wright is in a similar situation as Touki and Newk, but maybe not as drastic. I still believe 2022 will be a make-or-break year for Kyle and his future with the Braves.

I am very excited to see what he can do this season coming off a really good campaign at Triple-A and then that brilliant performance in the World Series.

He’ll get a chance to earn a rotation spot in Spring Training, and as things stand right now I think he has a leg up on the competition.

Again, I’m rooting for him, confident he can do it, and hopeful he gets an extended shot to prove he can. But if he can’t, it’s hard to imagine him getting many more opportunities with the Braves going forward.