The Braves had a quiet winter before signing left fielder Jurickson Profar last week, a significant addition who immediately bolstered their lineup and gave them a formidable outfield when fully healthy.
President of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos said the team wasn’t close to another addition. That doesn’t mean there won’t be one. Here are some of the best remaining free agents and how they’re relevant to the Braves, either directly or from a competitive view.
3B Alex Bregman, Astros
Braves view: While Bregman has been willing to move off third base, there isn’t a match here, if for no reason other than financial demands. The Braves’ interest lies in whether Bregman ultimately joins a National League contender. He’s been most linked with American League clubs, including the Astros, Tigers, Red Sox and Blue Jays.
1B Pete Alonso, Mets
Braves view: As entertaining as this would be, there’s no Braves fit here. The Braves are watching the Alonso-Mets drama unfold just like everybody else. The Mets have a better lineup with Alonso, but signing him to a lengthier deal is obviously a risk. Earlier in the winter, the Mets pivoting to Bregman seemed like a possibility, but that doesn’t appear likely. It seems to be in the Mets’ and Alonso’s best interests to reunite, as messy a process as this has been.
SP Jack Flaherty, Dodgers
Braves view: Some outsiders have speculated Max Fried’s old high school teammate makes sense for the Braves, but this feels like another long-shot fit. The Braves still could use another starter, but Flaherty would certainly prefer a healthier contract, and it’s unclear how the team views him. He might end up signing a shorter-term agreement, which might widen his suitor list. A return to the Tigers, who traded Flaherty last July, makes sense. Detroit ace Tarik Skubal recently endorsed that idea during an interview on “Foul Territory.”
RP Carlos Estévez, Phillies
Braves view: Estévez could be out of the team’s price range, but he would fit on paper. The Braves need bullpen reinforcements, and Anthopoulos has consistently invested in that area. They’ve lost A.J. Minter (Mets), Jesse Chavez (Rangers), Luke Jackson (free agent) and Joe Jimenez (injury) from their 2024 playoff roster. If not Estévez, the Braves could use another proven reliever before opening day.
SP Max Scherzer, Rangers
Braves view: After years of battling Scherzer, could the Braves sign him? They were among the throng of teams who watched Scherzer’s recent bullpen session, as ESPN reported. Scherzer, 40, was limited to nine starts last season because of numerous injuries. But his pedigree and price might make him worth a look for a club that lost Fried and Charlie Morton in free agency. It would be fair to wonder why the Braves would’ve let Morton, 41, walk only to sign the less-durable Scherzer to what could be a comparable deal (Morton received a one-year, $15 million contract from Baltimore).
SP Nick Pivetta, Red Sox
Braves view: The team that signs Pivetta will lose a draft pick because he rejected Boston’s qualifying offer, so perhaps that has played a role in stalling his market. Respected for his bulldog mentality, Pivetta had a 4.14 ERA in 27 games (26 starts) last season. He provides dependability that would benefit any team needing a starter. There’s a reason Pivetta is still available, but maybe his price drops. The Blue Jays have been linked to the Canadian righty.
RHP David Robertson, Rangers
Braves view: At age 39, Robertson could bolster the bullpen on a modest short-term contract. The Birmingham native had a 3.00 ERA in 68 games with Texas a year ago (with 99 strikeouts in 72 innings). Perhaps there’s a match here, but everyone is looking for relievers. The Cubs, even after acquiring Ryan Pressly from Houston, are among the hopeful contenders seeking bullpen help.
So while there are notable players still available — and note, this is a small sample of a large free-agent pool — spring training is merely weeks away. The Braves could opt for marginal moves the rest of the way. Or their next substantial addition could be via trade. But free agency will still play a role in how the contending landscape appears opening day.
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