The Atlanta Braves are looking to run it back in 2022 and win themselves another World Series. In order to do so, they'll need to make a splash in free agency. Now that the MLB lockout is officially over, the Braves have yet to lock down Freddie Freeman for the future, so the possibility that he won't be back in Atlanta next season remains on the table. Whether or not Freeman is with the team, there are areas that need to be addressed on the roster, and the Braves could look to fill those needs now that free agency is set to re-open on Thursday evening. With that in mind, here are a few free agents that would make sense for the Braves now that baseball is officially back.
3 Atlanta Braves free agent targets
Kyle Schwarber would be a great fit for the Braves, whether or not Freeman returns to Atlanta. Now that the DH is set to come to the National League, the fit with Schwarber is even more apparent. Assuming Freeman returns to the club, Schwarber could slot in as a game-changing designated hitter, who occasionally sees time at left field. Meanwhile, the Braves could continue on utilizing the Gold Glove-winning Freeman at first base, keeping a huge piece of their core in tact while adding another solid contributor.
Schwarber had a sensational season with the Washington Nationals last year, completely changing the way teams approach the leadoff position of the order. The slugger was an immediate power threat atop Washington's lineup, and the Braves could spice things up by utilizing him in a similar manner.
Should the Braves' lack of action ahead of the lockout result in Freeman opting to sign elsewhere, the Braves will need to act quickly to find a replacement. Anthony Rizzo could be an ideal candidate to fill Freeman's void, coming off a successful stint with the New York Yankees. Rizzo was dealt from the Cubs at the trade deadline and made an immediate impact in the Yankees lineup. He's now on the open market, and the Braves could do a lot worse than the three-time All-Star if they're looking to replace Freeman.
Rizzo is a World Series champion, so he has the postseason experience the team would be looking for, and is a known team leader who could step in as an experienced voice in the clubhouse. He's been trending downwards over the past two seasons, but his upside is tremendous and he could prove to be a game-changing hitter for the Braves lineup.
1. Freddie Freeman
Who else was going to top this list of Braves free-agent targets? The Atlanta Braves need to do what they should have done all along and lock Freeman up. Now. The rumors regarding his future won't go away until he's landed a new deal, and no team should be more eager to sign him than the Braves. Freeman has given everything to the organization, culminating in a World Series win in 2021. If anyone is deserving of a brand new contract, it's the 2020 NL MVP. With teams like the Rays, Yankees and Astros reportedly waiting in the wings for a possible swoop for Freeman, the Braves need to mark their territory and match the first baseman's demands before he's gone for good.
This is a no-brainer on the part of the Braves, and the fact they have yet to commit to bringing the 32-year-old back is concerning. Hopefully, they correct their mistake and lock him down to the six-year deal he's seeking when free agency opens up.
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