5 cheap free agents that the Braves desperately need to consider this offseason
During the 2024-25 MLB offseason, the Atlanta Braves are almost certain to make multiple free agent moves in order to improve their roster after a disappointing finish to their 2024 season.
However, not all of those free agent moves made will be for some of the market’s top names, meaning that the Braves will likely need to bring in some players at key positions of need on lesser deals.
With that thought in mind, here are five options that Braves could consider adding to the roster that might cost less than some of the top names on the market:
Here are the budget free agents the Atlanta Braves should consider this offseason
Jose Iglesias, Second Baseman
2024 Stats: .337/.381/.448 slash line, .830 OPS, 4 HR, 26 RBI, 6 SB across 85 games
If the Braves opt to address the middle infield with a cheaper option who can play multiple positions, then there likely isn’t a player player available in that price range coming off a better season than the veteran Iglesias. The veteran had one of the better seasons of his 12-year MLB career with the New York Mets in which he slashed a combined .337/.381/.448 across 85 games with four HR, 26 RBI, and six SB.
John Means, Left-Handed Pitcher
2024 Stats: 2-0 record, 2.61 ERA, 16:2 K:BB ratio across 20.2 IP
A starting pitcher to watch for might just be Means, who is set to enter free agency for the first time in his career after seven seasons with the Baltimore Orioles. The left-hander posted a 2.61 ERA across only 20.2 IP with the Orioles in 2024 due to injuries. Despite having made only 10 starts since the 2022 season, he is still an intriguing name to watch for that could be an impactful signing if healthy.
Jesse Winker, Outfielder
2024 Stats: .253/.360/.405 slash line, .764 OPS, 14 HR, 58 RBI, 14 SB across 145 games
When it comes to outfielders, the Braves could certainly decide to make a splash at the position this offseason, in particular in left field. One intriguing name to watch for in that conversation might just be Winker, who appeared in a combined 145 games with the Washington Nationals and New York Mets to slash a combined .253/.360/.405 with 14 HR, 58 RBI, and a career-high 14 SB.
Blake Treinen, Right-Handed Pitcher
2024 Stats: 7-3 record, 1.93 ERA, 56:11 K:BB ratio, 1 save across 46.2 IP
Out of every name on this list, Treinen is likely to garner the most amount of interest coming off a strong 2024 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers where he had a 1.93 ERA and 56:11 K:BB ratio across 46.2 IP. The veteran right-hander is also likely to see the largest free agent deal during this offseason, and would be an impact arm the Braves could add to their bullpen.
Amed Rosario, Second Baseman
2024 Stats: .280/.306/.380 slash line, .686 OPS, 3 HR, 32 RBI, 13 SB across 103 games
