The Atlanta Braves’ offseason shopping list has unexpectedly grown, adding a potentially “problematic” need for a “versatile” outfielder to fill the designated hitter (DH) void left by the expected departure of Marcell Ozuna in free agency.
While the Braves initially planned to rotate DH duties between Drake Baldwin and Sean Murphy to manage their catcher load, reports from MLB insider Mark Bowman suggest the front office is now seeking an outside addition. The dilemma? The free-agent market is extremely top-heavy, forcing Atlanta to either pay up big or settle for mediocre options.
🛒 The Braves’ Expanding Offseason Needs
- Shortstop: Top priority after Ha-Seong Kim opted out of his contract.
- Bullpen: Needs “several reinforcements” after declining options on multiple key arms (e.g., Pierce Johnson, Tyler Kinley).
- Starting Pitcher Depth: Explicitly stated as a goal for the 2026 rotation.
- Versatile Outfielder/DH: A new need to create consistent matchup advantages and provide rest for core players.
⚾ The DH Philosophy Shift
With Ozuna, who was primarily a full-time DH, departing, the Braves are leaning towards a more flexible strategy:
- Original Plan: Rotate Baldwin (lefty) and Murphy (righty) at DH, leveraging the platoon advantage.
- The Problem: The catchers need full off-days. To keep the DH spot consistently productive while resting guys like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Jurickson Profar (who will take DH reps), the Braves need a quality fourth or fifth outfielder who can:
- Play all three outfield positions well.
- Provide an above-average bat when needed.
💰 The Outfielder Free Agency Dilemma
The challenge lies in the 2026 free agent outfielder class, which features two superstars and then a significant drop-off:
| Player | Position | Contract Projection | Braves Fit | Notes |
| Kyle Tucker | RF | $370M+ (10+ years) | Elite (Perfect Fit) | Price is astronomical; “probably going to get $400M+” |
| Cody Bellinger | CF/1B | $150M – $175M (5-6 years) | Elite (Very Good Fit) | High price, and he is reportedly eyeing a big-money, long-term deal with the Yankees due to his fit at Yankee Stadium. |
| Kyle Schwarber | DH/LF | $150M (5 years) | Power Bat | Not versatile (primarily a DH/LF), but a top slugger and predicted target if the Braves choose a full-time DH route. |
| Cedric Mullins | CF | <$100M (Shorter Deal) | Versatility/Defense | Known for versatility, but his bat has regressed, making him a less exciting option. |
| Trent Grisham | CF | <$70M (Mid-range) | Defense | Gold-Glove defense but often mediocre offensively, fitting the ‘less than great’ option category. |
Conclusion: The Braves have a clear financial ceiling and are focused on shortstop. To acquire a high-impact, versatile outfielder like Bellinger would likely require a massive contract that General Manager Alex Anthopoulos might not be willing to pay, forcing the team to seek a trade or acquire a depth piece like Dylan Carlson (potential trade candidate) or Austin Hays (free agent).
Given that the Braves’ needs are now Shortstop, DH/Versatile OF, Bullpen, and Pitching Depth, which of the available free-agent outfielders on the lower-cost end (under $15M AAV), like Trent Grisham or Cedric Mullins, would best fit the Braves’ stated need for defensive versatility and a consistent platoon bat?
