The Atlanta Braves offseason is off to a predictably quiet start with the biggest headline being the departure of Max Fried. Atlanta's approach doesn't come as a surprise when you consider the team's recent history of patiently looking for the best value whether in free agency or the trade market. The Braves understand the moves that must be made but have a strong roster, lending them the ability to avoid making moves from a place of desperation.
With this in mind, fans would be wise to look at potential free agency bargains. The Braves most likely moves in free agency will happen in the bullpen, outfield, and starting rotation. With Fried officially leaving, Atlanta will likely look for a veteran arm to step in and stabilize the rotation until Spencer Strider is able to return.
Walker Buehler - SP
The Braves have a history of buying low on veteran pitchers looking to put their careers back on track. Recently this resulted in a Cy Young with Chris Sale having an incredible 2024 season. This isn't to suggest that Buehler will join Atlanta and suddenly turn back into an ace of staff. However, Buehler showed signs at the end of the season of figuring things out after two injury-plagued seasons.
As recently as the 2021 season, Buehler was a top of the rotation arm and considered a cornerstone of the Dodgers future. What Atlanta needs to look for is this type of potential without the high cost of an aging arm. Buehler could likely be signed in the $8-10-million range on a prove-it deal assuming his quest for a multi-year deal falls through. At worst you overpay for an innings eater, best case you've found a worthy reclamation project that gives you the inarguable best rotation in the league.
Walker Buehler is one of the most established free-agent pitchers still on the board following his strong showing in October, and per sources, his reps looking for multi-year deal with opt-outs. Yankees had talked about him before Fried signed. Red Sox, Tigers, Giants, among…
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) December 12, 2024
Jason Heyward - OF
A nostalgic signing that offers upside for an outfield badly in need of depth. It is completely possible that Atlanta's GM has a surprise signing or addition to help ease depth concerns. However, it seems more likely the team will add a bench bat and look to piece things together until their franchise player returns from last season's injury.
Heyward is far removed from his days of being an everyday franchise player. After a disappointing end in Atlanta, the outfielder has made stops with the Cardinals, Cubs, Dodgers, and Astros. While his latest tenure with the Astros was a failure the veteran did help the Dodgers giving them a spark early. This is a no-risk signing that has only upside for a team badly in need of outfield depth. At worst you cut Heyward and move on from a former franchise player. What you hope for is a return home brings life back to Heyward's bat and buys you time to get your team healthy giving you a valuable bench bat.
Lance Lynn - SP
Another aging pitcher the Braves would have the ability to buy low on after last season's average returns. This is only an option if the Braves are looking for a possibly cheaper version of Charlie Morton. You likely have a higher injury risk, however, the team could be understandably shy about conitnuing to bet on Morton defying Father Time to reliably eat innings. Lynn is a likely cheaper option that plugs well into the bottom of the rotation.
After Chris Sale, this team has a lot of question marks and considering Sale's extensive injury history the more depth the better. Lynn lacks the upside of Buehler or even the upside of in-house candidates. Still, the ability to reliably eat innings at an affordable rate cannot be ignored as a potential fit. Lynn would stabilize the bottom of the rotation, taking pressure off Atlanta's current unproven options.
Joc Pederson - OF
Joc Pederson had fitting words to define Atlanta's last World Series run to end the 2021 season. The edge and attitude that Pederson brought to this team is often pointed to as the missing piece for the postseason Braves. It's as if the team lacks the edge or attitude needed for the big moments, better suited for regular season dominance.
Pederson is likely going to be in the $10-12 million range and is limited as a fielder. With that said, there is no question the Braves should attempt a reunion. Pederson's energy and attitude are the missing piece for a team that has all of the needed pitching and offense to make another late postseason run.
The only downside to the move is with Ozuna locked in at the DH position you will be forced to put Pederson in the outfield. A move the Braves should gladly make considering the offensive and postseason boost Pederson will bring. Three years later the fit still makes sense and yet again could prove to be the missing piece.