The Atlanta Braves have a long list of potential needs as the World Series continues, and free agency draws closer. Near the top of the list are upgrading the bullpen and finding a long-term answer at shortstop. Additionally, the franchise could look at DH, outfield depth, end-of-the-rotation arms, and bench depth. This leaves an exciting and long list for Atlanta when it comes to potential targets in free agency. If there were ever a time the front office and ownership were to align on an increase in spending, it would be after a complete mess of a 2025 season.
Atlanta started the season as an expected World Series contender and was out of the postseason race shortly after the All-Star Break. This speaks to a level of needed desperation to find improvements and turn the page away from failing pieces. Giving the Braves clear targets, starting with an infielder who is currently attempting to help upend the Dodgers in the World Series.
1. Bo Bichette
It is hard to find a more perfect target for the Braves at the shortstop position. Bichette is coming off a season where he was on pace for over 100 runs driven in and hit above .300. The production was cut short with an injury that held Bichette out of the season until the start of the World Series. However, now there is zero concern that the shortstop has returned to the lineup and shown himself healthy ahead of free agency.
Bichette is the perfect high upside hitter that the franchise so badly needs to add to the middle infield. This is especially the case if you're going to bring back Ozzie Albies and opt to hope for a rebound in the 2026 season. Signing the offseason's top shortstop gives you a sense of belief that the middle infield's offensive production will drastically improve next season.
2. Pete Alonso
This suggestion could be viewed with some level of pushback due to the past rivalry between Alonso and the Braves. However, there is no better option in free agency to replace aging DH Marcell Ozuna. If Atlanta is motivated by the poor 2025 offseason, there is zero reason the franchise cannot land two of the offseason's top free agent hitters. Alonso bolsters the middle of your lineup and takes a level of pressure off Austin Riley and Matt Olson.
Suddenly, you have one of the league's most powerful hitters completely focused on his duties at the plate in the most talented lineup he has been a part of. Stealing an important piece from a hated rival in the New York Mets only makes the move all the more enticing. No question, it is at least worth exploring in the next weeks of the offseason.
3. Justin Verlander
If the aging Verlander wants to continue pitching, there is no reason the Braves cannot bring the starter in on a team-friendly one-year deal. Injuries to the rotation in the 2025 season quickly revealed just how little depth the Braves had after their initial rotation. Verlander can fill the role that Charlie Morton has had in previous seasons, being viewed as an innings eater and leader for a young rotation.
While Chris Sale can fill this role in some ways, it wouldn't hurt to have another experienced postseason pitcher in the clubhouse throughout the regular season. With Sale, Spencer Strider, and Spencer Schwellenbach in the rotation, this isn't a team that needs top-of-the-rotation options, but rather improved depth. Adding depth with Verlander's experience is an undeniable bonus that pushes the roster in the right direction.
4. Kenley Jansen
Atlanta's current front office hasn't been shy about bringing back former players in free agency, and this offseason shouldn't be any different. One potential reunion option is an aging Jansen, who had a great season despite being deep into his 30s. It makes sense to bolster the bullpen in several areas, and Jansen is a great setup option with an incredible career as a closer.
Signing Jansen far from fixes the bullpen, but it is a step in the right direction. Leaving little chance that the move isn't at least explored in the offseason. It makes sense both for Jansen and a franchise that should be desperate for any level of bullpen production.