Every MLB offseason forces franchises to part ways with familiar faces, and the Atlanta Braves aren't an exception after saying goodbye to several players throughout the winter.
Although most of the club's former players have since found new homes, that hasn't been the case for everyone. The regular season is less than a month away, meaning the clock is ticking for any ex-Braves to find employment ahead of Opening Day 2025.
Earlier this week, Braves manager Brian Snitker revealed which of his former pupils he hopes will land new jobs next.
Braves News: Brian Snitker Wants Adam Duvall, Whit Merrifield Signed
In Thursday's interview with Forbes' Dan Schlossberg, Snitker made it clear that he wants former Braves outfielder Adam Duvall and utility player Whit Merrifield given another MLB opportunity this season.
"Hopefully, both guys will get a chance to play," Snitker admitted. "They are wonderful individuals. I loved having them on my club and managing those guys, but a lot of teams are taking younger routes."
The MLB offseason can be a tough time for most players — especially veterans like Duvall and Merrifield. Teams are constantly doing whatever it takes to get younger while remaining competitive, which often results in older batters and pitchers being left on the outside looking in.
Snitker has been the Braves manager since 2016, so he's seen all three of Duvall's stints with the franchise. That includes when the veteran outfielder was on the 2021 World Series-winning team — the same campaign in which Duvall paced the National League with 113 RBIs while also winning his first Gold Glove award.
Unfortunately, Duval's numbers have trended in the wrong direction since then. His regression culminated in an uninspiring 2024 performance that saw him muster only 11 home runs and 30 RBIs while tallying 99 strikeouts with a .182/.245/.323 slash line in 104 games (303 at-bats).
As for Merrifield, the versatile right-handed bat joined the Braves last July nearly two weeks after being bought out by the Philadelphia Phillies. The change of scenery helped the three-time MLB All-Star as he tallied one HR, four RBIs, 20 walks, and six stolen bases while batting .248 across 137 ABs.
With that in mind, Merrifield's unemployment likely has more to do with a personal decision rather than a lack of interest. MLB.com's Mark Bowman reported in January that the former South Carolina Gamecock is considering retirement this offseason in favor of family time.
March is officially here, meaning Braves fans will likely have a better idea of Duvall and Merrifield's futures sooner rather than later. Both veterans bring a wealth of experience to the table, leaving time to reveal if any club listens to Snitker and gives the free-agent duo a chance to play ball.