Great rosters require more than just top heavy star power. The Atlanta Braves have quickly found out how important depth is during the last two injury plagued seasons. One area in particular that always seems to get hit with injuries is the outfield. Michael Harris II and Ronald Acuña Jr. have both missed extended periods of time over the past two seasons.
This is why Atlanta could benefit from finding a reliable fourth outfielder with some upside. Eli White is a great player to have on your bench, but when you have to start him for a long stretches because of injury then the Braves' depth begins to get exposed. Because of this, Alex Anthopoulos should aim higher and take inspiration from one of his favorite former players when attempting to add to the outfield mix this winter.
If the league was only allowed to throw with their left hand, Rob Refsnyder would own every single season and all-time offensive record. pic.twitter.com/jDB26vNg4K
— Jared Carrabis (@Jared_Carrabis) August 28, 2025
Braves need to find the 2026 version of Adam Duvall to bolster outfield depth
Year after year the Braves kept bringing back slugger Adam Duvall because of his reliable glove, ability to play all three outfield spots, and track record of running into a more than a few home runs. Duvall didn't come without his flaws (mostly the high strikeout rate and streakiness of his bat), but for what he was asked to do Duvall always provided value.
One savvy way to find their next Adam Duvall would be adding a profile that matched what he brought to the table. That profile being the much needed corner outfield masher who excels at hitting against left-handed pitching. One free agent that fits the bill perfectly is Rob Refsnyder.
An impending free agent, Rob Refsnyder has spent the last four seasons with the Boston Red Sox excelling in the lefty masher role. Last season the 34 year-old Refsnyder slugged .560 against left-handed pitching. Additionally, Refsnyder carried a 11.5% walk rate and 52.3% hard-hit rate, both numbers Anthopoulos tends to value.
Overall, Refsynder plays adequate corner outfield defense, can take his fair share of walks, and has a real plus tool with his ability to hit lefties well. All of that certainly checks a lot of boxes for a player that could serve as outfield depth at what figures to be an affordable price. Refsnyder has reportedly already had conversations with Boston about a potential return, but if adding a quality outfielder is high enough on Anthopoulos' offseason to-do list, he may be able to swoop in with a more lucrative offer and lure Refsnyder to Atlanta.