3 corner outfielders Braves could target after Ramon Laureano non-tender

The Atlanta Braves recently non-tendered a few of their players and Ramon Laureano was among them. It was somewhat surprising to see them let him go as he was great for Atlanta once he was acquired.

He hit well and provided excellent defense in the corner outfield spot. However, Atlanta didn't seem to think he was worth the projected $6.1 million he was expected to receive in arbitration. Part of that probably stems from the fact that he struggled a bit with Cleveland before finding success with the Braves.

For now, it seems the team has moved on from Laureano but that doesn't mean they won't consider bringing him back at a lower cost. But it is worth considering what the Braves may find in the corner outfield market if they decide to fill the role with someone else. Let's check out a few available options that Atlanta could target.

3 free agent corner outfielders the Braves could target after Ramon Laureano's non-tender

Teoscar Hernández (32, 3.5 fWAR)

Hernández signed a one-year deal with the Dodgers last year, and it turned out to be a great decision for the outfielder. Hernández ended his season with a line of .272/.339/.501, including 33 home runs, 99 RBI, and a 3.5 fWAR.

He would be an excellent corner outfield addition and while his defensive range isn't elite, he makes up for it with above-average arm strength.

Hernández is projected to earn a three-year, $69 million contract in free agency. It isn't the cheapest available option but he would be an immediate upgrade to Atlanta's offense, especially if he can maintain the success he found with the Dodgers last season.

Tyler O’Neill (30 years old, 2.5 fWAR)

O’Neill had a pretty decent season with the Red Sox in 2024 as he hit a team-best 31 home runs with a 131 wRC+. He was a productive bat for Boston but did have his moments of inconsistency. Most of that was chalked up to a few minor injuries he suffered during the season. That durability may come into question during free agency.

His .241 average through 113 games leaves a bit to be desired but it's hard to ignore the powerful bat he provides to a lineup. The strikeout rate matches a typical power bat as he struck out 33.6% last season. He surprisingly had an incredible walk rate at 11.2%, however. His defense does leave a little to be desired range-wise but has great arm strength. He is a righty which would be a great platoon option with Kelenic in left field but he is projected to earn a three-year deal worth around $45 million ($15MM) which could be too rich for a player of his caliber.

Anthony Santander (30, 2.7 fWAR)

Anthony Santander is a great outfield option for any team to consider as he provides power and can hit from both sides of the plate. However, he does have the disadvantage of being a below-average defender at the corner outfield position.

His value to the team would be offense and there will be a lot of talk around him this offseason after a season where he batted .241 with 25 doubles, 44 homers, 102 RBI, and a 134 OPS+. Santander has a line of .244/.317/.478 over the last three seasons with 105 HR and 286 RBI. That's a good sample size for the kind of batter he is.

However, the low average is something to pay attention to and he will likely regress next season. It would be interesting to see if the Braves are willing to pay the projected four-year, $80 million he is expected to get in free agency.

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