The Atlanta Braves have had a quiet offseason by their standards, with bullpen additions and trading for and extending Chris Sale being the only noteworthy moves. Atlanta is still attempting to find a way to get past the Phillies in the postseason, and now must concern themselves with the Dodgers as well.
While the Braves front office can never be counted out, it seems likely they are done for the offseason. You have a great rotation and arguably the deepest lineup in the league. There is very little that this team can do that would clearly help their playoff chances.
Atlanta's perspective is all about what they must do to find a way to make it back to the World Series. Since their 2021 victory, the team has lost Freddie Freeman and Dansby Swanson, and has been handed a first-round exit against the Phillies in each of the next two seasons.
The Braves need to be searching for every advantage they can to change this fate and give themselves a chance to find bargain production. This is what pushed them to the World Series when they found surprise midseason value in Joc Pederson, Eddie Rosario, and Jorge Soler.
Who could the Braves look to add heading into spring training that could provide similar value for a postseason run?
3 (still available) free agents Braves should target heading into spring training
3. Joey Votto
It seems unlikely to see the well-respected veteran wear anything but a Reds uniform. However, the Braves should consider reaching out to the veteran as a depth piece and rotational DH. Marcell Ozuna has had a very inconsistent tenure with the Braves, and a bit of cheap insurance never hurt. Having the luxury of Votto as a pinch-hitter or occasional DH would be immensely valuable if he would accept such a role.
Think back to the Braves postseason run and consider the difference between that team and what we have watched each of the past two seasons. Aside from the obvious losses of Freeman and Swanson, the biggest difference is the bench.
In the game's biggest moments, there isn't anyone who strikes fear in the other dugout. The Braves lack a Pederson or Rosario to step in and deliver in a big moment.
Votto has had two rough seasons, but perhaps a change of scenery and lesser role would bring life back to his bat. At the very least, what is the harm in bringing the veteran to camp and allowing him to compete for a roster spot while offering his leadership and experience?