The offseason has finally begun, and the Atlanta Braves are on the clock to improve things after a disappointing end to the 2026 season. With the threat of a lockout looming, teams may move quickly to add to their rosters to avoid a time crunch should a lockout happen.
The first way that can be accomplished is with players being extended qualifying offers. However, that doesn't mean players will be eager to accept those offers. This would limit their ability to receive longer-term deals.
Eight players received the one-year, $23.15 million qualifying offer on Monday afternoon, and they have until November 17th to accept. A few of those players are still worth Atlanta's time, despite the loss of a draft pick that comes with signing them.
Here are 5 qualifying offer free agents the Braves should consider signing this offseason if the price is right
Jake Bauers
Bauers will no doubt earn a raise after the best season of his career. He slashed .266/.389/.484 with 22 doubles and 26 home runs over 144 games. Bauers was an easy candidate for the qualifying offer and has stated he would love to remain in Milwaukee. If he did end up in Atlanta, he would have to be okay with a designated hitter role.
Seiya Suzuki
Suzuki has long been a player that Braves fans have hoped the team would land. He was impressive during his five years with the Cubs, with a 128 wRC+, 113 home runs, 142 doubles, and 382 RBI. His defense hasn't always been the best, but he made a huge improvement in 2026. That makes him a very attractive candidate to cover left field for the Braves.
David Bednar
Bednar recovered from his disastrous 2024 season to return to one of the best closers in baseball over the last two seasons. 2026 was another exceptional year, with a 2.47 ERA, 35 saves, 20 walks, and 76 strikeouts over 69.1 innings. He will be highly sought after this offseason.
Brandon Lowe
Lowe was fantastic for the Pirates in 2026, hitting 29 doubles, 35 homers, and 96 RBI, while posting a 121 wRC+ over 150 games. His defense was outstanding as well, with a 15 OAA. With Ozzie Albies returning, the Braves don't really need a second baseman. But Lowe could give Atlanta some flexibility to slide him or Albies into a DH role if needed.
Trevor Rogers
Rogers regressed a bit in 2026 after posting an impressive 1.81 ERA in 2025. However, he was still good for the majority of the season. The lefty had a 4.03 ERA, 39 walks, and 157 strikeouts over 169.2 innings. That is an elite walk rate, and he also induced a lot of chase. That would be a welcome sight in Atlanta's rotation.
Add us as a preferred source on Google