The Atlanta Braves are in the middle of what could be their most important offseason in years. Multiple vital positions must be filled before 2025 to ensure Atlanta fields a competitive team.
MLB insiders with The Athletic recently released a list of 40 free agents and the teams who would be the best fit for them. Unsurprisingly, the Braves are considered excellent fits for multiple players on the list.
A couple of the players mentioned have already been on Atlanta's radar. However, a trio of Los Angeles Dodgers linked to the Braves may be a surprise to fans.
MLB insiders connect Braves to trio of 2024 World Series champs
The Dodgers have long been foes of the Atlanta Braves but for good reason. LA always signs the best talent every year and it helps them stay competitive. Atlanta could follow suit and add one of these three players for 2025.
Teoscar Hernández
Teoscar Hernández is ranked 11th on the list and considered a best fit for the Braves. Hernández signed a one-year deal with the Dodgers last year, and it ended up being one of his best seasons. He was named an All-Star and even won the Home Run Derby. Hernández completed the season with a line of .272/.339/.501, including 33 home runs, 99 RBI, and a 3.5 WAR.
Including Saturday, Teoscar Hernández has 18 (!) career homers against the Yankees.
— MLB (@MLB) October 28, 2024
He put on a show in the Bronx in June with his 2-homer night. 😤 pic.twitter.com/jgnHk4mgRq
The biggest reason for his success was his ability to strike out less and walk more often, which improved his on-base percentage. He walked 53 times, the most he's had in any season. Teoscar isn't an above-average defender, as indicated by his -2 OAA, but he makes up for that with above-average arm strength.
However, he isn't as big of a defensive liability as Jorge Soler was for the Braves in 2024. The projected contract for the powerful right-handed bat is three-years for $69 million. Hernández would be an immediate upgrade to Atlanta's offense, especially if he can maintain the success he found with the Dodgers last season.
Walker Buehler
2024 was a rough season for Dodgers starter Walker Buehler as he returned from Tommy John surgery. He pitched in 75.1 innings and earned a 5.38 ERA, including 28 walks and 64 strikeouts. However, he ended the season on a high note with an impressive postseason performance.
Walker Buehler has given up ONE run in 19 career World Series innings!!!! (0.47 ERA) pic.twitter.com/yjU4LL6xEe
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) November 4, 2024
Buehler had a career 3.02 ERA with 690 strikeouts before missing the 2023 season with his second Tommy John surgery. This is a chance for the Braves to take advantage of a down year to fill one of their most significant offseason needs. Alex Anthopoulos could sign Buehler on a one-year deal to allow the righty an opportunity to build his value back up.
Buehler is projected to earn a two-year contract valued at $32 million, and he's proven he is worth that amount when he is healthy. $16 million per season is a bargain for a starting pitcher in today's economy, and the Braves certainly could take advantage of that. However, his health will be at the forefront of any conversation.
Blake Treinen
Treinen returned to form in 2024 after dealing with injuries in the previous two seasons. He earned a 1.93 ERA during the regular season with 11 walks and 56 strikeouts. He continued that success in the playoffs with a 2.19 ERA, including four walks and 18 strikeouts.
The right-hander's strengths on the mound include his sinker and one of the best sweepers in baseball. Opponents batted just .120 against his sweeper in 2024 and whiffed 49.2% of the time.
BLAKE TREINEN. #WORLDSERIES pic.twitter.com/toPHKrqCGF
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 31, 2024
Blake's injuries were shoulder-related, which is a big deal when considering signing a pitcher. This will cause teams to stick to short-term deals to mitigate those concerns. Joe Jimenez is missing all of next season with a knee injury, which makes Treinen a perfect fit for the Braves. He is projected to receive a one-year contract in the $12 million range.
All three of these players fill the Braves' needs, but more than likely, they'll only be able to acquire one of them. There were a few other players mentioned as best fits for Atlanta, including SS Willy Adames, SS Ha-Seong Kim, LHP Andrew Heaney, LHP Yusei Kikuchi, and RHP Nathan Eovaldi.
Should they pursue them, every player mentioned is genuinely a great fit for the Braves. It will be interesting to see what Atlanta decides to do during one of the most important offseasons in recent memory.