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3 moves for the Atlanta Braves to make this offseason

By Kevin Henry

Jun 30, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) hits an RBI single against the New York Mets during the fourth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 30, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) hits an RBI single against the New York Mets during the fourth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 2, 2021; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Braves designated hitter Jorge Soler (12) hits a three-run home run against the Houston Astros during the third inning in game six of the 2021 World Series at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2021; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Braves designated hitter Jorge Soler (12) hits a three-run home run against the Houston Astros during the third inning in game six of the 2021 World Series at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Third, the Atlanta Braves need to ink Jorge Soler to a contract

Soler was one of the amazing success stories compiled by Anthopoulos as he was forced to completely rebuild the Atlanta outfield at the trade deadline. After coming over from the Kansas City Royals, Soler slashed .269/.358/.524 in 242 regular-season plate appearances, then upped that to slash .300/.391/.800 in 23 World Series plate appearances to earn the Fall Classic’s Most Valuable Player honors.

One of those hits? Leading off the World Series with a home run in Houston.

Now Soler is a free agent and is expected by MLBTR to earn a three-year, $36 million deal. Part of that is dependent upon the National League incorporating the designated hitter in 2022 as is widely expected. If that’s the case, having a designated hitter in Atlanta like Soler who can also play outfield and already has a soft spot in the hearts of Atlanta fans for his 2021 postseason heroics seems to check all of the boxes.

There is, of course, a risk with having Soler in the outfield. He played 752 innings in right field this season, the most of his career, and finished with a negative-11 Defensive Runs Saved. That’s why Soler slotting in as the designated hitter in Atlanta makes so much sense.

Next. The early odds don't favor an Atlanta repeat. dark

Like Freeman, there will be plenty of teams trying to land Soler for 2022. However, if Atlanta is willing to spend the money, seeing Soler back with the Braves would provide a big boost for the batting order.

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