According to quite a few sources, the Braves are in search of an outfield bat. And while they’ll likely not be picky as long as it’s the right player, Anthopoulos has expressed interest in said bat being of the left-handed variety. In today’s piece, we will search far and wide to see if there’s a good fit for Anthopoulos in both the free agent and trade market.
Left-Handed OF Bat Options via Free Agency
- Dylan Carlson: Top prospect, but hasn’t broken through on either side of the ball.
- Jason Heyward: Hits RHP fairly well, good arm, but losing speed and range
- Max Kepler: Suffers from Jarred Kelenic disease. Very toolsy, but can’t put it all together.
- Anthony Santander: The power is real, but the OF range is limited
- Mike Tauchman: A walks machine, but limited hit tool. A “nothing special” defensive OFer.
- Jesse Winker: Can mash, but his defense is more mashed potatoes.
- Michael Conforto: range is low, but arm is strong. Good hit tool. Could benefit at Truist.
- Joc Pederson: became an elite bat last year in the desert and could also benefit at Truist. Didn’t play OF last year.
Breakdown: No one on this list is perfect as most have at least one flawed skillset, but Santander and Conforto seem the most likely candidates that AA would pursue. While I would love to reunite with Joc, the fact that AA traded Jorge Soler so quickly seems to indicate that he’s not interested in putting another DH in the outfield.
Left-Handed OF Bat Options via Trade
- Cody Bellinger
- Lars Nootbaar
I’m sure there’s more, but these 2 jump out the most to me. Both Bellinger and Nootbaar can play all 3 OF positions and are quality hitters against RHP. Both skillsets would be a welcomed addition considering the Braves play their strongest corner OFers in left field while at home and right field when they’re away. Also, like Santander and Joc, Bellinger and Nootbar could benefit from the short porch in right-center.
Who else could the Braves try to sign and/or trade for in the upcoming weeks?
I think Santander is going to cost more than what the Braves will pay. And I think if they wanted Winker they would have traded for him last season.
I see Kepler, Conforto, or Tauchman as the most likely options via free agency.
Where’s Nick Markakis when you need him? (/joke)
I’ve wanted Carlson for a long time, but it’s like Kelenic for me – I just can’t believe that those skills aren’t still in there, waiting to be unlocked. Nootbaar seems interesting too, partly because I have a deep conviction that St. Louis is simply terrible at getting the best from their hitters these days.
Happy Thanksgiving. Choose to rejoice and be glad.
None of those options really inspire me, especially relative to cost. I would just run it back with Kelenic and get some insurance.
Happy Thanksgiving, all. Very thankful for 20+ years of Braves Journal and this 6 year run our Braves have been on.
Happy Thanksgiving to all! It’s a good era in which to be a Braves fan. We have a team that is competitive every year, playing meaningful games in September and October. Going deeper into October more often would be great, of course, but I am very grateful for this franchise. So many players that are easy to like and root for, and management that knows what it’s doing.
And I’m deeply grateful for this Braves Journal community, and especially Ryan for keeping it going.
Happy Thanksgiving to everybody! Love, joy, and happiness to you and your loved ones.
Happy Thanksgiving and thank you for the best place on the web. Thank you, Ryan, for keeping it running so well.
https://ow.ly/PgyT50U9b1i
Great piece on Braves business operations.