Braves Free Agent Targets After Prolonged Drought

Photo by Matthew Grimes Jr./Atlanta Braves/Getty Images

January 7, 2025

The Atlanta Braves have not created a move on any targets that would excite the fans for the upcoming season. General Manager Alex Anthopoulos’ patience is a virtue in most situations. Unfortunately, this free agency period is an antithesis of his philosophy. With the Braves losing key pieces such as Max Fried, Charlie Morton, Travis d’Arnaud, and Gio Urshela, the fans have lost influential pieces that created a heartbeat around the clubhouse. The Braves vow to be “World Series or bust,” but many have lost their patience with other teams making significant signings. With Major League Baseball’s long free-agency period, many formidable names exist in the pool of free agents. Ken Rosenthal spoke on Fair Territory about his thoughts on the Braves’ expectations, adding the Braves’ desire for a starting pitcher, reliever and backup outfielder.

Ken Rosenthal says the Braves want to add a Playoff Caliber starter. He expects them to add a reliever, and they want a backup outfielder
He says the Braves haven’t done anything because Strider will pitch in Spring Training and be back soon after same with Ronald lmao pic.twitter.com/FbPnSrY7n5

— Dillion Harper (@og_yungdilly) January 6, 2025

With the hefty expectations, Alex Anthopoulos may go to his hefty expectations or settle for someone on a less risky contract. Whatever it may be, here are some targets Braves fans can expect to hear rumors about until Opening Day.

Tanner Scott

The former Miami Marlin and San Diego Padre enter free agency as one of the better options for any free agent. The 30-year-old entered last season as a top trade target with the Marlins, and the Friars made a move. Finishing with a 4.1 WAR and 1.75 ERA, Scott notched 22 saves and a 1.125 WHIP, becoming a good option in the closer role. With two blown saves in 2024 (April 14 and June 13), Tanner Scott closed the season with 14 earned runs across 72 innings pitched. The Braves have already had a mutual interest in Scott, who could be their best lefty reliever and create a nasty pairing with RHP Raisel Iglesias in Truist Park. According to Davey O’Brien, the NL East powerhouse homework over Scott is satisfactory.

The Braves have done background on Scott and checked out medical, so there is definite interest. It probably will just come down to contracts, like most FAs, and he’s got plenty of suitors. https://t.co/LbE8jxHd0o

— David O’Brien (@DOBrienATL) January 6, 2025

Although nothing is official, the groundwork is built for the Braves, which could progress to serious material. Spotrac calculates his market value at $16.4 million per season. In reference, Iglesias makes $14.5 million per season, creating a dilemma for Alex Anthopoulos on his value for the bullpen.

Jordan Montgomery

Despite many keying free agents, not all targets must be in the open market. Jordan Montgomery’s case is a roller coaster for his career. After an incredible 2023 season, lifting the Texas Rangers to a World Series, 2024 came crashing down. In 2023, Monty posted a 3.20 ERA but a 2.79 ERA in 11 starts for the Rangers. On the contrary, 2024 left Montgomery’s value greatly diminished, notching a 6.23 ERA and -1.4 WAR with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Montgomery did not meet their expectations, with the desert needing a strong starting ace. Correspondingly, the Snakes brought hometown kid Corbin Burnes on a six-year, $210 million deal with 35 million AAV. With a rotation of Corbin Burnes, Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Eduardo Rodriguez, Brandon Pfaadt, and Ryne Nelson, Monty loses his favor after his worst season to date.

Jordan Montgomery strands the bases loaded with a big K! #ALCS pic.twitter.com/ln1jHftiGj

— MLB (@MLB) October 16, 2023

Steps in, the Braves. After losing lefty Max Fried, a replacement could align with Montgomery. With one year and $22.5 million left on his contract, many suitors could be pushed out of his high salary. However, the Diamondbacks could eat some of the wages, allowing a higher chance for the lefty to leave. With all the chips laid out, a straightforward trade is possible. With the Braves having success on one-year players such as Josh Donaldson and Marcell Ozuna, the possibility of a Monty trade is enticing for fans and the front office.

Jurickson Profar

A star is born in San Diego, and the glimmer around it could move out East. The 32-year-old from Curaçao had the best season of his career for a significant contract this off-season. Earning a sliver slugger and All-Star nod, Jurickson Profar can play second, shortstop and left field. Posting a .280 BA, .380 OBP and 3.6 WAR, Profar became a household name with stars such as Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. in the lineup. In the hope that he lands a long-term contract, Profar stands out among the remaining free agents.

The Braves stand out as suitors, particularly with their shortstop and left-field weaknesses. At shortstop stands Orlando Arcia, who struggled after his spectacular 2023 season. In 157 games, Arcia posted a .218 BA, .271 OBP and .354 SLG, all team lows in the main lineup. In left field, it became a platoon of many options after injuries and reshuffling. Jarred Kelenic, Adam Duvall, and Ramon Laureano stepped up in the position. Laureano posted a .296 BA, but Duvall and Kelenic struggled, with a .182 BA for Duvall and .231 for Kelenic. Laureano impressed the most in the batter’s box, albeit he is now a free agent this season alongside Duvall. With neither player likely to return and Kelenic struggling to keep pace, Profar is a perfect option to fill left field.

The competition for a Curaçao-born child can be challenging, but with Curaçao native Ozzie Albies on the team, a strong friendship can create a bond that could help land the 32-year-old. With his defensive versatility and improved bat in 2024, the upcoming year could be played at Truist Park.

JURICKSON PROFAR ROBS MOOKIE!!! #NLDS pic.twitter.com/bvByqwsAKB

— MLB (@MLB) October 7, 2024

Spotrac estimates Profar’s AAV to be $12.9 million. In comparison, Mitch Haniger received a three-year, $43.5 million deal after a similar season to Profar.

Jack Flaherty

A World Series champion with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024, Jack Flaherty hits the open market after valuable playoff experience. Flaherty dominated 2024’s headlines as one of the best pitchers in the season. The Detroit Tigers capitalized on his value, trading him to the Los Angeles Dodgers at the deadline. The right-handed pitcher posted a 3.17 ERA across 2024, including a 1.068 WHIP in 28 games. After dusting off the struggles of 2023, Flaherty positioned himself to earn a payday after an astonishing 2024 en route to the World Series.

The Braves lose their key pieces, as mentioned earlier, but could quickly fill in the piece of Flaherty. With Los Bravos wanting a playoff-experienced starting pitcher, Flaherty steps into the limelight after experiencing the Fall Classic last season. Throughout the process, the Braves have flirted with the idea of someone like Flaherty, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if their interest compounds. With a whiff% and K% in the 90th percentile and above, the Braves adding another strikeout machine would help a defense that ranked second in fielding percentage to create high volume of outs.

Jack Flaherty, Dirty 80mph Knuckle Curve. ?

3rd K pic.twitter.com/87WkWnrl6T

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) October 26, 2024

Spotrac slots Flaherty’s AAV to be around $21.1 million, sitting around Jordan Montgomery’s value of 22.5 listed above. Aaron Nola signed his seven-year deal around 25 million AAV with the Philadelphia Phillies. With the Braves looking to contend with the Phillies rotation, a shot at Flaherty could become possible. Although, other teams are heavily in the mix with Flaherty, leaving Alex Anthopoulos to bring more out of his pockets to make a deal.

Conclusion

With a backup outfielder in option, the Braves have chance to swing and land a hit without much competition. However, the four names listed are plausible options for the Brian Snitker led clubhouse in 2025. With Alex Anthopoulos slowly creating a pitch for a free agent, there is a growing wonder if he will make a run. In typical fashion, leaving it late is no secret, and all four have a possibility to go to the NL East contenders this offseason.