5 former Atlanta Braves the team could reunite with this offseason.

There are some familiar names out there for whom a return to the Atlanta Braves could make a lot of sense.

The Atlanta Braves have been one of the league’s hottest teams when it comes to offseason rumors. Already the Braves have been rumored to be in on Aaron Nola and the prized free agent of the offseason (Shohei Ohtani) has gathered buzz as well.

Atlanta Braves fans clearly would love the idea of landing Ohtani or Nola. However, the more likely offseason for the Braves is a calmer one focused on plugging the hole in left field and adding depth to the rotation. This isn’t to say splashy moves won’t happen, but rather understanding that this front office has a history of looking for bargain deals and building from within.

Obviously, the postseason frustration of the past two seasons could be the catalyst that changes this strategy. Atlanta could view Nola or Ohtani as players who will pay for themselves and push the team into deeper postseason runs. But until they prove otherwise fans should be expecting a safer offseason one that could offer Atlanta a chance to reunite with former impact players.

When considering former Braves that are a fit for this team, there is one clear name that stands out in free agency that had the best moment of his career thus far for Atlanta.

1. Jorge Soler could reunite with Atlanta Braves

 

The Atlanta Braves World Series hero is a free agent once again after a two-year stint with the Miami Marlins. Soler had solid numbers with the Marlins but clearly lacked the offensive support around him the veteran needed to thrive. Soler’s production at the plate is always going to be based around his power numbers and there isn’t a lineup that will offer Soler more pitches to hit than Atlanta.

It is tough weighing Soler’s impact in left field moving forward versus simply making the move out of a sense of nostalgia. Soler is a great power hitter and would be an upgrade over Kevin Pillar or Eddie Rosario. However, it comes down to price versus production and the market for Soler is yet to take shape.

With a myriad of options with the ability to fix their issues in left field, the Braves should be interested in bringing back Soler … but only at the right price. There are plenty of clear fits in free agency as well as the possibility of moving Vaughn Grissom out to left field.

There is a move that could set up another potential reunion at a much cheaper price for the Braves.

2. Jason Heyward could reunite with Atlanta Braves

If the Atlanta Braves are going to take a big swing in free agency, they will likely save money by avoiding making a splashy move in the outfield. If Grissom is the Braves’ answer to the hole in left field, the team needs a left-handed bat to pair with the young hitter.

Jason Heyward brought his career back to life with the Dodgers this past season and proved to be a surprising source of power. He isn’t a starter at this point in his career. However, he would be a great veteran bench bat for this team.

Bringing Heyward in behind Grissom gives your roster a lot of flexibility as well. Grissom serves as a backup infielder with Heyward able to plug into either corner outfield spot. It is likely a cheap signing and the type of value deal that this front office is always hunting for.

Aside from the obvious fit, you also have a veteran leader who had the majority of his best seasons in a Braves uniform. Bringing back Heyward is not only nostalgic but fills a clear need for Atlanta and does so while saving money to improve the rotation or on another splashy move. If Grissom is unable to make the transition to left field, you have a reliable option as well you can bring in as a starter for a time.

3. Alex Wood could reunite with Atlanta Braves

This is by far the least likely fit for the Braves when you look at their current rotation. You have Max Fried, Spencer Strider, and Charlie Morton locked in. After those three, there is nothing but question marks for the Braves. One could question Morton as well. Despite the production he has given Atlanta, Father Time will come for the veteran at some point. While Braves fans hope that isn’t this season, it is better to be prepared.

If the Braves add to the back end of the rotation, Alex Wood is an interesting fit to consider. The former Brave has had an up-and-down career, but is a solid back-of-the-rotation option. Adding Wood in as your fifth starter isn’t a bad move for the Braves if they don’t believe in Bryce Elder moving forward.

Where this fit begins to make less sense is when you consider the potential cost of adding Wood back to Atlanta’s rotation. For a reunion to happen, Wood is going to have to take a veteran bargain-type deal or Atlanta is better off with in-house options.

4. Joc Pederson could reunite with Atlanta Braves

Pederson brought the swagger to the Atlanta Braves they so badly needed when they went on their 2021 postseason run. That is the attitude and energy the Phillies have had each of the past two seasons while the Braves lineup has gone missing. While Soler is a more consistent power threat, there is an argument that Pederson makes more sense for the Braves in left field.

You could keep the door open for Grissom as well bringing in Pederson as the starter with the understanding Grissom is going to get his chances at the position. It is a reunion that makes sense for both sides and should be considered early on this offseason.

5. Adam Duvall could reunite with Atlanta Braves

Of all the possible outfield fits, this one makes the least sense for Atlanta. It was clearly time to turn the page for the Braves. Despite this, Atlanta has reunited with Duvall more than once and the outfielder has been a key piece at times for this offense. It is a name Braves fans should at least keep an eye on throughout the offseason.