Whit Merrifield
Similar to Laureano, Whit Merrifield was a mid-season addition by the Braves due to injury. Once Ozzie Albies went down with his wrist injury, Atlanta had to figure things out, and eventually, Merrifield was the answer. He has played great defense for the team and decent offensive output.
Once he was brought over after being let go by the Phillies, he improved his offense with the Braves. Merrifield has a .248 average over 41 games with 34 hits including five doubles, one homer, and four RBI. His on-base percentage has been great at .348 including 20 walks. Whit won't have a place in the starting lineup barring injury next season but he could be a valuable bench piece for the Braves.
Defensive clinic ft. Whit Merrifield💯 pic.twitter.com/PIR3FlWDsl
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) September 19, 2024
Gio Urshela
Urshela being on this list is bizarre as fans could never have expected Austin Riley to miss significant time in 2024. However, he did and Gio being let go with the Tigers couldn't have happened at a better time. He provided the Braves with an incredible defensive third baseman who has struggled offensively over the last couple of seasons.
However, he came to Atlanta and figured some things out. The good thing about Urshela is he puts the ball in play. He doesn't strike out a lot and puts the ball in play but his OBP isn't great so that is one downfall. Since joining the Braves, he has a .270 average with 31 hits, nine doubles, three home runs, and 13 RBI. I don't see him returning to Atlanta as he won't have a place to play with Riley returning.
John Brebbia
John Brebbia joined the Braves after a rough season with the White Sox. He earned a 6.29 ERA over 54 games with Chicago before they released him at the end of August. Atlanta added him to the roster and he's only appeared in five games with a 2.70 ERA (two walks and nine strikeouts).
Brebbia's metrics aren't anything special but he does have a good chase and strikeout percentage. That's the one positive to having him on the team but his remaining metrics are average. It doesn't feel like the Braves would bring him back next season.
That's all of the free agents after this season that the Braves will need to consider. Alex Anthopoulos and the Atlanta front office always do a good job of addressing needs during the offseason. However, this will be one of the most challenging ones they've experienced.