The Atlanta Braves are gearing up for another run in 2025, but it’s clear they’ve got some shopping to do before they hit spring training.
While their core roster looks solid, the absence of Max Fried in the rotation leaves a gap, and a boost to the bullpen wouldn’t hurt either. Add in Orlando Arcia’s inconsistent performance at shortstop, and there are clear areas to address.
But the elephant in the room? The outfield—specifically, finding a solid everyday player for left field.
The Braves Left Field Conundrum
Michael Harris II is a lock-in center, and Ronald Acuña Jr. remains a right-field sensation when healthy.
But with Acuña likely sidelined for the first six weeks of the season, the Braves are staring down a potential early-season outfield crisis.
The need for a left-handed bat to balance the lineup makes finding a reliable left fielder all the more critical. After all, you don’t chase a World Series title with a patchwork outfield.
Slim Pickings in a Crowded Market
Filling that outfield spot on paper seems straightforward: find a suitable player and sign them. Simple, right? Not so fast. The Braves are facing stiff competition for what’s left in a shallow free-agent pool. Juan Soto? Never a realistic target.
And with other heavyweights like Teoscar Hernández, Max Kepler, and Michael Conforto already locked up, the Braves’ options are limited. The standout remaining candidate, Anthony Santander, is tempting but comes with a hefty price tag and the added complication of a qualifying offer.
This leaves Atlanta sifting through a second-tier pool of players. That includes names like Jurickson Profar, Alex Verdugo, and Tommy Pham. While some of these players fit the Braves’ needs, none are obvious guaranteed solutions.
With the Astros, Phillies, and other contenders also on the hunt for outfielders, the competition is fierce.
High Stakes and Narrow Margins
The Braves offseason could come down to how well they navigate this outfield situation. They have options though.
Whether that’s shelling out for a top-tier addition, finding a hidden gem, or pivoting resources to strengthen other areas. But every path comes with risks, especially with so many suitors in the market.
The clock is ticking, and Braves fans are watching. Will Atlanta find their missing piece, or will they be left scrambling? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: the pressure is on to get it right.
