The Atlanta Braves have turned their attention towards pitching so far this offseason. With the moves that acquired Aaron Bummer and Reynaldo Lopez, the bullpen and potentially the rotation has been strengthened. Now it may be time to put their sights on another need.
Left field was a platoon position last year for Atlanta thanks to Eddie Rosario and Kevin Pillar. Both of those players are free agents and may not be with the Braves in 2024 leaving an open spot in the outfield. Over the last couple of days, two pretty big names have emerged as potential candidates for the Braves.
Hunter Renfroe
Hunter Renfroe is a 8 year veteran that is currently a free agent. He earned almost $12 million last season between the Angels and the Reds before being DFA’d by Cincinnati after just 14 games. For the 2023 season, Renfroe totaled 20 home runs, so his power certainly fits the lineup.
Renfroe may not be a superstar, but the slugger who has 177 career home runs and would very well be within Alex Anthopoulos’ off-season budget. Hunter Renfroe seems like a reasonable platoon option, should the Braves go this route.
Randy Arozarena
This comes as a surprise to many but apparently the Tampa Bay Rays have put all-star Randy Arozarena on the trading block. With the packages Atlanta have traded away for their most recent acquisitions could make pulling this off quite difficult but it is still not impossible.
Alex Anthopoluos could also pull off a blockbuster of a trade and kill two birds with one stone. A package deal that sends Tyler Glasnow and Randy Arozarena to the Braves could address all of Atlanta’s needs and set their opening day roster for 2024 before Christmas.
This one is not very likely but we like to dream. The Braves would have to give up some of the best prospects they have left in their weakened farm system and be willing to take on Glasnow’s $25 million for 2024 and Arozerna’s estimated $7 million a season until 2027. This would be a big commitment Atlanta may not be willing to make but the Braves are also in a position to take a chance on a deal like this.