5 free agent signings that put the Atlanta Braves back in the World Series

Since winning the World Series following the 2021 season, the Atlanta Braves have been knocked out of the playoffs twice by their hated division rival, the Philadelphia Phillies. While it is easy to entertain what could have been with different matchups, long layoff, or health, the Braves simply have to get better.

Come postseason time, the Phillies have a different energy that Atlanta simply hasn't matched. Whether it is Bryce Harper staring down Orlando Arcia or the dugout erupting over seemingly every play, it is a team that had more fire and executed far better in each of the last two seasons.

Something clearly has to change for the Braves ... not to win the division or have a big regular season, but to kill these demons come postseason time. Atlanta needs a deeper lineup, pitching rotation, and time for the bullpen to get healthier.

There is no way around that Philly is clearly what is standing between Atlanta and another title. No other team in the postseason matched up well against the Braves or strikes the fear Philly does in Atlanta fans. Simply put, this offseason has to be about putting together a roster that can do something that Atlanta hasn't been able to do each of the last two seasons starting with stealing from Philly directly.

These 5 free agent signings could help the Atlanta Braves get past Philadelphia Phillies

1. Aaron Nola

The Phillies are set to return the majority of their roster with the only high-impact players in question being Aaron Nola and Craig Kimbrel. One way to put yourself ahead of a division rival is simply to steal one of the players who is beating you. Nola hasn't been perfect against Atlanta, but you can put him firmly in a list of reasons Philly has beaten Atlanta each of the past two seasons.

Give Atlanta a rotation of Max Fried, Spencer Strider, and Aaron Nola and this team's ceiling is anyone's guess. Atlanta badly needs a third starter with their depth now gone due to injuries, age, or simply poor performance.

There isn't one pitcher who Atlanta can rely on after their first two and that changes with Nola. Yes, he isn't going to blow many people away and will have his bad games. However, come postseason time, Atlanta is well aware of what he can do. Nola not only is a player Atlanta could steal from the Phillies, but among the current options is clearly the best third starter on the market and fits the rotation perfectly. If the Braves are going to swing big this offseason, Nola should be at the top of the list.

2. Jorge Soler

After Soler parted ways with the Marlins early on this offseason, the path is now open for a reunion. Soler was one of the few bright spots in the Marlins lineup and clearly would be a solid option in left field for the Braves. With Rosario likely leaving, the Braves need to add at least two outfielders this offseason and there are few better fits than the World Series hero.

Who wants to face a lineup that is so talented Soler anchors the bottom portion? He adds yet another power threat to this stacked lineup and wouldn't face the pressure he dealt with in Miami. Atlanta is the best fit for Soler and allows the slugger to come into a low-pressure environment with the best protection any lineup can offer.

Perhaps Atlanta won't be in a hurry to re-visit the past, but considering the current market Soler is the best fit from a production and price standpoint. It doesn't hurt either side that Soler was the deciding factor in the World Series two seasons ago. Perhaps a reunion would yield the same results.

3. Jason Heyward

Bring back Jorge Soler as a starter and lean into the nostalgia a bit bringing back another fan favorite. Jason Heyward clearly struggled after leaving the Braves, never finding a way to be close to the same player he was in Atlanta. Bringing him back at this stage of his career isn't about finding that player again but about giving him a chance to play a supporting role for a World Series contender.

Heyward would be a great backup for Soler and give Atlanta a solid left-handed pinch hit option. Heyward isn't an elite hitter but he is every bit as dangerous as the options Atlanta was often starting or had on their bench much of the season.

Bringing back Heyward isn't a move that must be made there are a myriad of backup options on the market. However, it is the best story and would be a fun fit for both sides as Heyward's career comes to a close. Perhaps the outfielder never lived up to expectations but his career was impressive nonetheless and giving him a chance to come full circle and play a role for this version of Atlanta Braves baseball feels right.

5. Tim Anderson

Yes, the Braves made the right decision to part ways with Dansby Swanson when you weigh price versus production. Arcia was great early on for the Braves, but his offense faded and his postseason was memorable for all the wrong reasons.

The Bryce Harper comment was never meant to leak out of the clubhouse, but the way Arcia responded was frustrating. The shortstop didn't have an answer at the plate and ignored Harper staring him down. However, in the safety of his own dugout, he responded to the fans. It was a bad look for Arcia and perhaps a sign Atlanta needs to look at the position this offseason.

Anderson is coming off a down season and perfectly fits the type of player this front office loves to target. Let the Braves buy low on him and see if the shortstop can rebound in a stacked lineup. Arcia is on a reasonable deal and is a great utility option or could be turned to if Anderson fails.

The point here being this is a position that cost the Braves in the series against Philly. Either it must be improved or Arcia must find a way to deliver when it matters most.