Heading into the offseason, the Atlanta Braves' offseason needs felt pretty straightforward. Obviously the quest for a real shortstop is at the top of the list of importance, the bullpen needs several reinforcements now that Atlanta declined the options of multiple key arms, and the front office made it clear that the Braves want more starting pitcher depth going into 2026. However, a new need seems to be on the list now and it is a problematic one.
With the likely departure of Marcell Ozuna in free agency, the Braves' plan at DH seemed to be that they would rotate Drake Baldwin, Sean Murphy, and others depending on off days and specific match-ups. That seems like a sound strategy, but MLB's Braves insider Mark Bowman seemed to indicate in a recent column that the Braves could be looking for a "versatile" outfielder to add into the DH mix.
It does depend a bit on the quality of outfielder Atlanta is seeking, but a closer look at the free agent class does not yield many exciting options.
If the Braves truly want to add an outfielder this offseason, they will either have to pay up big time or accept less than great options
The idea here is that the Braves could want to an outfielder that can play all three outfield positions to allow Atlanta to play matchups with their DH spots more consistently. Murphy and Baldwin are opposite handed which helps with platooning, but those guys are going to need days off from playing at all sometimes especially given how much catchers can get banged up.
However, the problem is that this is not the free agent market to go after an outfielder unless you want to spend big. Two of the top free agents on the market are Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger and both fit the bill, but Tucker is probably going to get $400+ million and Bellinger may just be looking to get the Yankees to offer a long-term, big money deal given his fit at Yankee Stadium. After that, you have...a bunch of older and/or mediocre players at best.
Now, if Bowman is more referencing that Atlanta wants a stronger fourth outfielder that can fill in while guys like Jurickson Profar and Ronald Acuña Jr. get reps at DH, then that won't be a problem. However, if they want someone that is going to get regular playing time in the Braves' lineup, they may have to turn to the trade market to get that done.