Atlanta Braves: Braves are Still Exploring Adding to Their Bench

The Atlanta Braves are looking at improving their bench further, possibly bringing back former Braves to improve the bench.

The Atlanta Braves have continued to try to improve their Major League roster top to bottom and are looking at making further additions to the bench.  The latest rumor surrounding the Braves is that they are exploring bringing back Jeff Francoeur.

Francoeur has made stops with the Phillies, Marlins, and Braves over the past few seasons. He would presumably be the Braves’ fourth outfielder and give the Braves a legitimate spot starter if any injuries were to happen in the outfield. The Marlins are rumored to be interested in a reunion with Francoeur as well.

Adding Francoeur would complete a much improved bench for the  Braves that has added Sean Rodriguez and Kurt Suzuki. Suzuki is expected to back-up Tyler Flowers or could force his way into a platoon is Flowers struggles offensively. Suzuki will be at a disadvantage considering the upgrade that Flowers will give defensively behind the plate.

Sean Rodriguez has the ability to back-up almost every position on the field and should start in place of Jace Peterson against lefties.  Rodriguez and Suzuki are both solid players that were added for relatively little cost and will improve the Braves’ bench.

Jeff Francoeur would continue the Braves trend of adding veteran players that they could deal at the break if needed.  Considering their tendency to trade players and the fact that they have traded him before it is worth wondering if it will encourage Francoeur to sign with the Marlins where he will be guaranteed a bit more job security.

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The Braves have also been tied to former Brave Kelly Johnson who would also improve the bench and give the Braves a much needed left-handed pinch hitting option.