The Braves are in a tricky spot as they look to bolster their outfield depth heading into the 2025 season. After non-tendering Ramon Laureano, the team has reportedly shifted focus to adding a left-handed bat, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. How much can Atlanta afford to do without breaking their budget—or their approach?
Acuña’s Injury Leaves a Gap in Atlanta’s Outfield
Atlanta isn’t expected to shop at the top of the free-agent market. Rumors about Juan Soto remain purely speculative, and the Braves don’t seem likely to commit to the multi-year deals players like Anthony Santander or Tyler O’Neill might demand. Instead, the team appears focused on finding cost-effective depth, especially with Ronald Acuña Jr. projected to begin the season on the injured list.
Without Acuña, the Braves’ outfield is a patchwork of talent and potential. Jarred Kelenic and Michael Harris II bring some promise, but the supporting cast—Eli White, Luke Williams, and newcomer Carlos D. Rodriguez—leans unproven. Adding an established left-handed bat could stabilize this group early in the season when offensive consistency might be crucial.
Laureano’s Departure Highlights the Need for a Lefty Bat
Though Laureano showed flashes with Atlanta, his underlying stats hint at regression. His .380 BABIP last season looks unsustainable, especially given his low walk rate and high strikeout percentage. Combined with his right-handed profile, the Braves may have been right to let him walk.
There’s a deep pool of lefty bats on the market this offseason. Players like Max Kepler, Michael Conforto, or even switch-hitter Dylan Carlson could offer short-term upside, though some may require multi-year deals.
Braves Payroll Concerns Could Limit Big Moves
History suggests that GM Alex Anthopoulos will avoid a blockbuster signing and stick to a strategy of measured trades and internal development. Big contracts have been rare under his leadership, and the team’s current payroll leaves limited wiggle room under the luxury-tax threshold.
With $217 million in projected obligations, Atlanta is just $24 million shy of the $241 million mark. Crossing that line for a third straight year triggers steep penalties, including a 50% tax on the first $20 million over the cap and harsher hits beyond that.
Balancing Braves Offseason Needs and Budgets
The Braves’ offseason to-do list extends beyond the outfield, with needs at shortstop, in the rotation, and in the bullpen. Anthopoulos faces a delicate balancing act. He needs to add value without ballooning costs. Still, with a solid farm system, a sharp eye for trades, and a few savvy free-agent moves, Atlanta might just find the pieces it needs to stay competitive in the NL East.
