The Atlanta Braves have set the stage for an impactful offseason by reshaping their roster and payroll. After trading Jorge Soler, non-tendering Ramón Laureano, and allowing Travis d’Arnaud to hit free agency, the Braves’ intentions remain clear: they’re biding their time for a calculated offensive upgrade in the outfield.
Luxury Tax Considerations Shape Strategy
According to MLB Insider Ken Rosenthal, Atlanta’s roster decisions are part of a broader financial strategy centered around resetting their luxury tax status. Having exceeded the threshold for two consecutive seasons, the Braves would face a steep 50% tax penalty if they crossed it again. To avoid this, the team aims to stay under the $241 million threshold for one year, which would reset their tax rate for 2026. Currently, with $217 million committed, the Braves have $24 million in spending power.
This financial prudence will dictate how the Braves approach both the outfield market and their pressing need for starting pitching.
Pitching Remains a Priority
Rosenthal predicts the Braves will secure a significant starter, given uncertainties in their rotation. With Spencer Strider’s delayed season start, Max Fried’s potential departure, and Charlie Morton’s retirement possibility, Atlanta must address at least one rotation hole.
However, the Braves’ patience in acquiring an outfield bat doesn’t diminish their intentions. “Alex Anthopoulos will scan the outfield market for a piece to complement the roster until Ronald Acuña Jr. is back,” Rosenthal said, adding that secondary outfield options could emerge as bargains once high-profile players like Juan Soto find new homes.
Intriguing Names to Watch
Rosenthal outlined a list of potential targets, highlighting both left- and right-handed bats, including former Braves outfielder Jason Heyward, power hitter Tyler O’Neill, and seasoned veterans like Andrew McCutchen and Michael Conforto.
Potential Left-Handed Targets:
Michael Conforto
Max Kepler
Alex Verdugo
Jesse Winker
Jason Heyward
Potential Right-Handed Targets:
Tyler O’Neill
Andrew McCutchen
Michael A. Taylor
Mark Canha
Tommy Pham
Among the options, O’Neill stands out as a high-risk, high-reward candidate. At 29, the two-time Gold Glove winner recently posted a 31-home-run season with an .847 OPS but carries a history of injuries. If healthy, he offers one of the highest ceilings on the market.
Patience Could Pay Off
The Braves’ decision to wait for the right fit rather than rushing into a deal reflects Anthopoulos’ methodical approach. Bargain opportunities are expected to emerge later in the offseason as marquee free agents set the market.
With the Winter Meetings around the corner, the Braves are in no rush, trusting that their calculated patience will yield both the offensive and pitching reinforcements needed to maintain their status as World Series contenders.
