6 dream Braves free agent targets this offseason that would drive fans wild

It would be awesome to see the Braves really push their chips in for the 2024 season with these free agents.

Aug 28, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani
Aug 28, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani | Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
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Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Yamamoto is probably the most pie-in-the-sky option for the Braves because Atlanta hasn't been in the market for the top Japanese players since they signed Kenshin Kawakami before the 2009. For those that may not remember that far back, that did not end well as Kenshin lasted just two seasons in Atlanta before being sent down to the minors and ultimately returning to Japan.

Yoshinobu would still be a fantastic guy to try to add to the Braves' questionable 2024 starting rotation, though. He has three plus pitches including a mid to high 90's fastball, a splitter that doesn't seem fair, and a curve that keeps hitters honest and plays up with his other pitches. Importantly, Yamamoto has the ability to command all of his pitches as well.

The problems here are with cost, competition, and geography. Most Japanese players either prefer west coast teams to take more advantage of Japanese marketing opportunities or go to big markets like New York or Boston. The Braves are neither of those things. A big chunk of the league is already vying to get their hands on Yoshinobu which means his price is going to skyrocket and that will favor teams with more free cash laying around.

Still, he would instantly become one of the Braves' top pitchers and would extend the Braves' brand to Japan which would be awesome.

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