Unlike previous offseasons that feature prominent former Braves on the free agent market (Max Fried, Dansby Swanson, Freddie Freeman, and others), the handful of players up for grabs this year aren’t the most notable names in the sport. Still, Marcell Ozuna, Ha-Seong Kim, and Raisel Iglesias should generate some buzz and could affect the market for other big-name players. Here’s a look at the possible landing spots for the former Braves.
The Braves’ few players departing via free agency may scatter across the majors
Marcell Ozuna, designated hitter: San Diego Padres
Most pundits agree that Ozuna’s best playing days are behind him, and it seems unlikely that he will serve any other role than DH. These realities will limit his market somewhat, but he could still command a deal akin to Paul Goldschmidt’s one-year, $12 million contract with the Yankees. The Padres, who made ambitious moves at the deadline and were rumored to be interested in Ozuna in July, may take a risk on a slugger since the team finished 28th in home runs in 2025. San Diego will also be pursuing front-line starters this winter, and Ozuna’s relatively cheap price point would leave room for a bigger signing.
Ha-Seong Kim, shortstop: Atlanta Braves
I don’t think Ha-Seong Kim’s agent Scott Boras will be enough to dissuade the Braves from reuniting with the shortstop. Boras does tend to get his clients to chase the money, but the smaller fish in his pond have a chance of sticking with the same club. Kim is among the top shortstops on the market, but in the likely event that Bo Bichette turns down Toronto’s qualifying offer, the former Blue Jay will overshadow Kim and perhaps send him back into the arms of Atlanta. Plus, the Braves have enough capital to meet Boras’ demands.
Raisel Iglesias, reliever: Atlanta Braves
Prior to the Braves declining the options on Tyler Kinley and Pierce Johnson, a deal with closer Raisel Iglesias seemed a little less obvious. However, the departure of two high-leverage arms adds pressure for Anthopoulos to secure bullpen help. Atlanta will have to do battle with essentially every other contending team, but Iglesias’ familiarity with the club and the faith the Braves showed in him during his early season struggles could be enough to seal the deal.
Tyler Kinley, reliever: Cincinnati Reds
Kinley was excellent during his stint with Atlanta, suggesting that perhaps the mountain air during his six years in Colorado led to his bloated ERA. Still, he doesn’t have a long track record of success and, at the age of 34, could be looking for a one-year deal. Those elements seem a perfect fit for the Reds, who tend to sign a middle reliever or two each offseason. Kinley is cut from the same mold as Brent Suter and Scott Barlow, who signed one-year, $2.5 million deals with club options for 2025.
Pierce Johnson, reliever: San Francisco Giants
Pierce Johnson needs to go somewhere his curveball, which he throws 70% of the time, won’t get launched into the stratosphere. The pitcher-friendly Oracle Park would be a good fit here, and Buster Posey will essentially be rebuilding the entire bullpen ahead of 2026. The Cubs could be another possibility.
David Fletcher, infielder: Minnesota Twins
Honestly, this one is a toss-up. Virtually any club could take a flyer on a utility player like David Fletcher, but at best, he’ll get a Minor League deal. A rebuilding team like the Twins may be his best chance to make it back to the bigs, but even that will be a challenge. Fletcher hasn’t played a Major League game since 2024, and his .481 OPS at Triple-A in 2025 won’t win over any suitors.