5 free agent targets the Braves could and probably should consider next offseason

The 2025 Atlanta Braves season is steadily approaching as pitchers and catchers report for spring training in less than a month. It hasn't been the splashiest offseason for Atlanta but they've done a great job addressing their need for depth and they added Jurickson Profar to the outfield.

There are a few things left to do and the Braves could benefit from improving their rotation and bullpen. Ryan Stanek is a rumored bullpen target, but the Cubs are also in on the former Astros reliever.

Alex Anthopoulos is very patient and will find the right deal to address the team's remaining needs. Atlanta is lucky to have a great core set up and not need to add a lot ahead of this season. However, next offseason, they have the opportunity to add some talented players to their roster. Let's examine a few players from next season's free agent class who would be great fits for the Braves.

Here are 5 free agents the Braves could consider adding next offseason

Bo Bichette

Orlando Arcia technically has a club option next season and depending on how he plays this season, the Braves may bring him back. However, the team has the opportunity to bring in a major upgrade via Bo Bichette.

Despite a down year in 2024, Bichette has been one of the top shortstops in baseball since 2019. He didn't play very much last season due to injury and had a .225/.277/.322 slash line over 81 games. This included four homers, 16 doubles, 31 RBI, and a 71 wRC+. He would provide Atlanta with some pop in the lineup and some decent range defensively.

Kyle Tucker

The Astros shocked everyone as they traded All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker to the Cubs ahead of the 2025 season. Tucker only appeared in 78 games due to injury last season but still produced a 4.7 WAR over 339 plate appearances.

Tucker is one of the best hitters in baseball so he'd be a welcome addition. Atlanta adding Jurickson Profar on a three-year deal may impact their interest in Tucker. However, Marcell Ozuna will reach free agency after this season. Tucker or Profar could easily slot into a designated hitter role if needed.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

It would be a surprise if the Blue Jays don't at least try to bring back Guerrero Jr. as he is the current face of the franchise. However, with the size of MLB contracts being handed out, he may test the market and we know there are certain teams with pocketbooks large enough to make that happen.

Atlanta hasn't been keen on giving out massive contracts like that but it would be irresponsible of them not to consider him. Now, he'd likely have to accept a DH role since the Braves have first and third base covered for the foreseeable future. This is one of the least likely free agents to make it to Atlanta next year but it's a fun thought.

Dylan Cease

The one area the Braves like to spend money on is pitching and with Chris Sale possibly exiting after 2025, they'll need to consider adding another top arm to the rotation. Dylan Cease has been a target for Atlanta, but trading for one year of a Boras client is risky unless you're confident in signing him to an extension.

Cease was impressive in 2024 with a 3.47 ERA over 189.1 innings (33 starts) with 65 walks and 224 strikeouts. He would be a perfect addition to the rotation and being a Georgia native surely doesn't hurt either. Scott Boras hasn't always been someone the Braves like to work with but this may be one of the times they need to make it happen.

Ryan Helsley

Ryan Helsley is one of the best relievers in baseball and with Raisel Iglesias' contract expiring after the 2025 season, the current St. Louis Cardinal could be on Atlanta's radar. Helsley appeared in 65 games last season with a 2.04 ERA, 23 walks, and 79 strikeouts. He had elite numbers in average fastball velocity, whiff, chase, and strikeout percentages. It would be unwise to miss an opportunity to add an arm like that especially with Raisel Iglesias set to become a free agent as well.

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