The Atlanta Braves have already made a splash this offseason, bringing in Robert Suarez and Mike Yastrzemski, while re-signing Raisel Iglesias and Ha-Seong Kim. With no obvious holes left on the roster, the Braves can now sit back and bargain shop, waiting for the perfect fits to emerge heading into the New Year.
With this in mind, fans shouldn't expect another splashy move unless the Braves opt to add to the starting rotation. This leaves a clear path with any future free agency signings needing to be bargain additions. Below, we'll highlight three names remaining on the market that cost very little and could be the perfect final pieces for Atlanta's roster.
1. Andrew McCutchen
It seems that the Braves are going to fill the designated hitter role by committee with Drake Baldwin and Yastrzemski as the obvious options. However, coming off an injury-plagued season, Atlanta is well aware that you can never have too much depth. Signing McCutchen offers the Braves a right-handed option off the bench or to plug into the lineup at the DH or left field spots.
While the outfielder is far removed from his MVP days, there is still value in a contender adding the veteran.
McCutchen's energy and leadership would be a great addition to the Braves' bench. It would also solidify the unit as vastly improved in comparison to last season. The only downside here is that you cannot carry three outfield options on your bench, which would push Eli White off the active roster.
Still, there is no denying it is an obvious upgrade and would afford the Braves incredible flexibility. It is a signing worth at least exploring, heading deeper into the offseason.
2. Craig Kimbrel
The former Braves reliever appeared to be jettisoned far too soon when the right-hander put together a solid run with the Houston Astros at the end of the year. The way Atlanta chose to part ways with Kimbrel was truly disheartening, as it was the wrong way to treat a franchise legend.
Now that the franchise seemingly has one bullpen spot open, it makes sense to revisit a possible reunion and give the legend the respect he deserved last season.
While his value is very much in question, it is an opportunity for the Braves to find surprise value. Signing Kimbrel is going to be extremely affordable due to the struggles the veteran has recently endured. It gives the Braves a chance to add an arm with high-leverage experience for next to nothing.
Kimbrel can compete for the final bullpen spot and give Atlanta an outside shot at finding a surprise contributor. It is a win for both sides and comes with zero risk to the Braves' current salary space or roster. It also helps ease the frustration of last season and Atlanta's awful handling of a regrettable situation.
3. Jon Gray
Gray is an interesting free agent because he has had three legitimately productive seasons surrounded by multiple years of frustration. Signing the veteran starter is a gamble for any team expecting quality innings.
However, the Braves are in a unique position based on the current talent in the rotation. Gray can be brought in to compete for the final rotation spot and have very little pressure playing with a group that is by far the most talented of his career.
For the Braves, this isn't the best fit at the bottom of the rotation, but if you're bargain shopping the rest of the way, Gray makes a level of sense. You get the potential upside of a capable starter without being forced to pay anywhere close to the cost, based on Gray's recent struggles.
With that said, the right-handed starter was productive as recently as the 2022 (7-7, 3.96 ERA) and 2023 (9-8, 4.12 ERA) seasons when he stayed consistently healthy and gave the Texas Rangers a chance every five days. Needless to say, Gray is an interesting potential fit for the Braves as the calendar flips to 2026.