The Atlanta Braves have some work to do to prevent them from exiting the playoffs too soon next season. Pitching will be at the forefront of everyone's minds, but the offense could use some work as well. There is a pair of outfielders who could be perfect additions for the Braves this offseason. The only deterrent to adding them would be cost. However, recent analysi from ESPN's Kiley McDaniel provides hope that the team will be able to make things happen.
He projects that outfielders Randy Arozarena and Seiya Suzuki will ink a four-year, $90 million deals ahead of 2027. That is an average annual value of $22.5 million and is pretty darn affordable in today's market. Both players have qualifying offers attached to them, so Atlanta would have to really like what they see to forfeit a draft pick as well.
MLB insider Kiley McDaniel provides hope that the Braves could improve their offense
Arozarena has been mentioned as an offseason target for the Braves a few times. It makes sense, given the power he provides at the plate. The defense is less than desirable, but he could serve in a designated hitter role to help alleviate that.
It's easy to see why he would be on Atlanta's radar after a great season where he slashed .281/.381/.484, with 34 doubles, 26 home runs, 79 RBI, and an .865 OPS. He draws a good bit of walks, but the strikeouts are high, as one would expect from a power hitter.
Previous contract predictions made it difficult to believe the Braves would even be interested. MLB insider Jim Bowden had Arozarena securing a five-year deal worth $124 million. That's just too long of a commitment for the 32-year-old outfielder. A three or four year deal makes it much easier to stomach.
Suzuki would likely be a more attractive target for the Braves, as his defense improved drastically in 2026. That brings more value and would make signing a long-term deal easier. He was impressive this past season with a .270/.368/.473 slash line, 31 doubles, 26 home runs, 86 RBI, 81 walks, 155 strikeouts, and an .841 OPS. Like Arozarena, he struck out a lot, but his walk rate and on-base percentage offset that.
If the Braves had to choose between the two, Suzuki seems like the better fit. Agent Scott Boras' attachment to Arozarena feels like a guarantee that he won't play for Atlanta. Regardless, it's nice to see the Braves may be able to afford some offensive upgrades in the offseason.
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