Atlanta Braves: Three free agents to target this offseason
After an exciting 2019 that ended in disappointment, here are players that can potentially make the Atlanta Braves better in 2020.
The Atlanta Braves had a terrific regular season. They went 97-65, winning 7 more games than the previous season, and won the National League East division for the second consecutive season.
Ronald Acuna, Freddie Freeman, and Josh Donaldson all put up ridiculous numbers during the regular season. Dansby Swanson and Ozzie Albies made a great middle infield once again and were both great supporting pieces in a powerful lineup.
As for their pitching, the Braves had three starters win more than 10 games and toss at least 160 innings. Mike Soroka turned many heads and was a Cy Young candidate during his rookie season. He went 13-4 with a 2.68 ERA during his age-21 season. He proved that he can be an ace moving forward.
Julio Tehran and Max Fried were both impressive and workhorses during the regular season. The June signing of Dallas Keuchel helped the team win the NL East, but his days in Atlanta seems to be over, as his contract is expiring.
However, winning 97 games during the regular season means nothing when the club loses the division series. They were defeated by the St. Louis Cardinals in 5 games.
The question is, how can the team improve? Here are three free agents the Atlanta Braves should target this offseason.
Nicholas Castellanos, RF, CHC
Nicholas Castellanos would be a great fit for the Atlanta Braves. He is a great replacement for former All-Star, 35-year-old Nick Markakis, whose time in Atlanta is over.
Castellanos will only be 28 next season, so he could sign a lengthy contract. He adds more youth to a talented Braves’ team. Over 151 games with the Detroit Tigers and the Chicago Cubs, the young slugger hit a career-high 27 home runs, 58 doubles, 100 runs scored and OPS. of .863.
This would give the Braves another powerful bat in their lineup and fills their whole in right field. The Braves are in the midst of building another dynasty and Castellanos would be a great fit.
He has tremendous versatility at the plate. He could either bat near the top of the order and be a constant run-scoring threat. Or, he could bat behind Freeman, either fourth or fifth, and be an RBI machine.
He could be the missing piece of the Braves’ lineup. His combination of power and plate discipline could transcend him into an All-Star.
Castellanos ended the season flaming hot. In his last 51 games for the Cubs, he hit .317 with 16 home runs and 21 doubles. His short stint in Chicago definitely increased his market value. The outfielder is one of the most intriguing free agents because he is so young and has the potential to sign a long contract.
Wade Miley, LHP, HOU
Wade Miley is a crafty, veteran lefty than has been to the playoffs the last two season, with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2018 and with the Houston Astros this season. He has proven to be a workhorse that can be clutch in vital moments.
Over 33 starts, the 32-year-old went 14-6, posting a 3.98 ERA over 167 1/3 innings, while striking out 140 batters.
Dallas Keuchel will most likely walk in free agency, leaving Max Fried as the only left-handed starter in the Atlanta Braves rotation. Atlanta could use another left-handed starter and Miley is available and not very expensive.
The Astros had Miley on a one-year, $4.5 million contract. However, he was more impressive and started more games this season than in 2018. His market value definitely rose after his 2019 campaign. A two- or three-year contract would make sense for both parties.
Even though there are other lefties on the market, (Madison Bumgarner, Hyun-Jin Ryu, and Cole Hamels), Miley makes the most sense because he is on the younger side of this group and he will be the most cost-effective. His performance will surpass his paid value once again.
Miley is not an ace but would make a great addition to the middle of the Braves’ rotation. Having a left like Miley would definitely help the Braves win their third consecutive NL East title.
Josh Donaldson, 3B, ATL
Re-signing their team leader in WAR is a must for Atlanta if they do not go after All-Star free agent Anthony Rendon.
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2018 was an injury-ridden season for Josh Donaldson, only playing 52 games. Last offseason, the Atlanta Braves and Donaldson agreed on a one-year, $23 million deal, the same as his previous contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.
This was a “prove your worth deal.”
Donaldson certain proved his worth this season, and he is definitely worth bringing back on a multi-year contract.
In 155 games in 2019, the 33-year-old hit 37 home runs, drove in 94 runs and had an OPS. of .900. He was a very valuable component of their explosive lineup, batting fourth most of the time. Atlanta needs Donaldson back batting cleanup in 2019.
He will be looking for a deal of at least two years and close to the annual salary he made last season. The 2015 AL MVP returned to superstar status after his impressive 2019 campaign.
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Donaldson was part of Atlanta’s veteran leadership. The team should bring him back for his clubhouse presence and his productivity at the plate. He became a valuable part of the Atlanta Braves this season, and the team should retain him on a new multi-year deal.