Not every free agent is going to get the big payday this offseason. As we know, some of Alex Anthopoulos' best work has been done in the margins. The Atlanta Braves need to improve the roster this winter no doubt about it. However, the biggest difference makers in 2025 could come via the moves that don't get the same buzz a Willy Adames signing would generate.
In this article we take a look at some under the radar moves Alex Anthopoulos could pull off this winter in hopes of bringing a hidden gem to Atlanta.
Ha-Seong Kim
The 28 year-old infielder could bring some needed on-base skills and solid defense to Atlanta if he declines his mutual option this winter. Kim has accumulated 10.5 fWAR in his last three seasons with San Diego.
Kim walks a ton (something the Braves offense really needs), runs the bases very well, and is a plus defender at multiple spots. However, he comes with a couple problems. Firstly, his health. Kim underwent season ending shoulder surgery in August. Secondly, Kim is a similar player in Arcia with solid defense, but not much power to speak of. Given his skillset he could demand a contract that the Braves should steer clear of handing out. However, if his market is slow and the medicals check out Atlanta should at least pick up the phone.
Michael Conforto
It feels like we've been writing about Michael Conforto being a fit for the Braves for a decade now. However, the fit still feels right because of Atlanta's desire to improve against right-handed pitching (although Conforto oddly had reverse splits last season). Conforto also plays an outfield spot where the Braves should have open competition in 2025.
Conforto hit the ball hard a lot last season, and had he not been playing half his games in spacious San Francisco he may have racked up more than the 20 homers he hit last season.
Welcome home, Michael Conforto 🏠 pic.twitter.com/eaCTjhidmE
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) August 24, 2024
Max Kepler
The career long Minnesota Twin could be the perfect Alex Anthopoulos one-year prove it deal candidate. Kepler has had an up and down career thus far, and his 2024 was one of his roughest seasons as a pro.
However, the track record is more proven than that of Kelenic's and Truist Park could play perfectly for his left-handed power. On top of that, Kepler has always been a strong defender as last season he ranked in the 85 percentile in outs above average (OAA) via Baseball Savant.
Jesse Winker
There are a ton of questions that come with signing Jesse Winker. His clubhouse behavior and rollercoaster play on the field would make this a risky signing. However, his 2024 finish with New York showcased the best parts of his skills.
Winker is excellent at drawing a walk (ranked in the 96th percentile with a 12.4 BB%) and hit right-handed pitching pretty well last season. The upside is enticing, but ultimately it's up to Alex Anthopoulos to decide if he wants to roll the dice on Winker. A positive clubhouse is something Anthopoulos doesn't take lightly so this one would come as a bit of a shock.
Scott Alexander
Honestly there's at least a dozen relievers we could select for this list. Non-closer bullpen arms get perhaps the smallest spotlight of any position in baseball. However, that doesn't mean these guys can't make your team much better.
We saw that with how dominant the Braves bullpen was in 2024. And while most of the crew is set to return in 2025, there is one question mark surrounding beloved LHP A.J. Minter. The former Texas A&M Aggie is coming off a hip surgery that prematurely ended his 2024 season, and perhaps his Braves career.
While the possibility of a reunion isn't zero, should the Braves look elsewhere for a free agent left-handed bullpen arm Scott Alexander would be a solid move. The veteran spent last season with Oakland and pitched to a 2.56 ERA in 38.2 innings of work. The most intriguing thing about Alexander was the dominance of his slider. Opponents slugged just .069 with a .061 wOBA, and 31.9 whiff% against that pitch.