The Atlanta Braves face a quandary, but for big-market teams, free agency typically provides a solution.
The Braves may have planned to have right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr., the 2023 National League Most Valuable Player, ready for Opening Day 2025. Acuña’s extended recuperation from a damaged ACL will prevent him from playing by then, according to several reports.
The Braves struggled in the outfield throughout the season. Even if Acuña was healthy, it’s possible that Atlanta would look to add another corner outfield bat after trading Jorge Soler last week.
Now that the door is wide open, the Braves could attempt to sign a superstar from one of their major National League rivals. Teoscar Hernández of the Los Angeles Dodgers was recently mentioned as a possible match for the Braves in a free agency preview by Tim Britton, Chad Jennings, and Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic.
“Hernández is never going to be confused with a contact hitter or an above-average defender in the corner outfield,” the paper’s authors claimed. “But he’s not always a liability with the glove, and his enormous power helps to offset his tendency to strike out. He may not be a star, but he is an important middle-of-the-order player for a championship team.”
Britton also expected Hernández to sign a three-year, $69 million contract, effectively extending his contract with the Dodgers for three more seasons. Given that it isn’t even close to nine figures, the Braves should be pleased to make that commitment.
Snagging Hernández, who blasted 33 home runs this season, would be a major sign that the Braves are prepared to compete for another World Series title in 2025. Acuña’s lengthy healing period may provide motivation to achieve their goals.
