Braves’ 5 “Buy-Low” Targets: Which Bargains Could Alex Anthopoulos Target This Offseason?.vc
From Zac Gallen to Devin Williams, the Braves GM is famous for finding value in players coming off down years or injury-plagued campaigns.
ATLANTA — If you’ve followed the Braves long enough, you know they love a good “buy-low” free-agent target. Since Alex Anthopoulos took over as general manager, the Braves have rarely shopped in the “more expensive aisles.” The largest contract he’s ever handed out came back in 2020, a $65 million deal for Marcell Ozuna.
Eventually, that’s likely to change. The Braves have been in on some top-tier free agents before — most notably aggressively pursuing Aaron Nola before he re-signed with the Phillies. But what will never change is Anthopoulos’ constant search for value.
This offseason features several talented players coming off down years or injury-plagued campaigns who could be had at a discount. Here are five potential buy-low targets for the Braves.
Starting Pitcher Targets
1. Zac Gallen (SP)
Gallen’s market will be intriguing to watch. On the surface, he’s a potential candidate for a one-year “prove-it” deal in hopes of rebuilding his value and securing a nine-figure contract next offseason.
This year, he posted a career-worst 4.83 ERA with a career-low 21.5% strikeout rate while struggling with the long ball. Still, he’s only one season removed from a four-year stretch in which he recorded a 3.34 ERA over 735.1 innings. Someone might still bet on that upside, but either way, Gallen won’t cost what he would have last winter, making him a fascinating buy-low option.
2. Brandon Woodruff (SP)
Woodruff is a buy-low target for a completely different reason. Across eight seasons with the Brewers, he’s posted a 3.10 ERA and 3.17 FIP, including a 3.20 ERA this year — a picture of consistency when healthy.
That’s been the problem, though: just 12 starts this season and only 23 since 2023. Because of that, he’s unlikely to land more than a two- or three-year deal, which could appeal to the Braves, who generally avoid long-term commitments to free-agent pitchers.
Outfield Target
3. Cedric Mullins (OF)
Mullins was a 30/30 player in 2021 but has regressed each season since, culminating in a forgettable 2025 in which he hit .216 with a .690 OPS between Baltimore and New York (Yankees). The Braves need another outfielder, though it’s not their top priority, which makes Mullins’ upside an appealing gamble at the right price.
Bullpen Targets
4. Devin Williams (RP)
Williams’ track record as one of baseball’s elite relievers — a 1.83 ERA across six seasons in Milwaukee — will earn him a hefty contract. However, a rough stint in the Bronx (Yankees) with a 4.89 ERA could drive down his price, allowing a value-minded team like the Braves to swoop in.
His underlying metrics remain elite, ranking in the 96th percentile or better in expected batting average (xBA), chase rate, whiff rate, and strikeout rate. He could be a sneaky steal even if he requires a four-year contract.
5. Michael Kopech (RP)
Kopech never found consistent success as a starter but thrived after moving to the bullpen. He was a key contributor to the Dodgers’ 2024 World Series run, recording a 1.13 ERA over 24 regular-season appearances and a 3.00 ERA in the playoffs, averaging 98.7 MPH on his fastball.
Injuries derailed his 2025, including a torn meniscus, but there’s a ton of upside here and he’ll likely only be looking for a one-year deal.
