The Atlanta Braves are trying to get back to the postseason after down seasons in 2024 and 2025. To get back there, signing a top free agent or two could go a long way.
However, after missing out on Edwin Diaz, the Braves are now in a tight race for closer Robert Suarez. And despite their need in the rotation, the Braves might not be involved in some of the top pitchers available.
Will Sammon and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic highlighted why the Braves are showing caution in the free agent market this winter. Thanks to Drake Baldwin and a few $22 million decisions, the Braves' free agent pool might be missing six top players.
Braves free agent rumor hints at six top targets off the block
"But ultimately the Braves did not sign Diaz, in part because they are in a different position than other teams when considering free agents who rejected the qualifying offer." Sammon and Rosenthal write.
The Qualifying Offer was extended to a few players this winter, and Edwin Diaz was one of those players. If a team signs a player who was extended a qualifying offer, then the acquiring team would lose at least their second-highest draft pick.
The Braves pick 9th overall, so their pick is protected, but if their second selection was later in the draft, then signing a top free agent who rejected the qualifying offer wouldn't be out of the question.
But thanks to Drake Baldwin winning the NL Rookie of the Year award in 2025, the Braves' second pick is at 26th overall.
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While signing a top free agent is appealing, if they rejected the $22.025 million qualifying offer, then the Braves might not be interested in giving up the 26th overall pick.
As Rosenthal and Sammon report, "The Braves value that pick, the highest second selection of any club."
With this high valuation in mind, who would potentially come off the board for Atlanta? Bo Bichette, Kyle Tucker, Ranger Suarez, Framber Valdez, Zac Gallen, and Michael King are all not options for the Braves this winter if they're planning to keep the 26th pick.
For a team in need of shortstop and starting pitching, losing out on the chance to sign Bichette, Suarez, Valdez, King, and Gallen is a big deal.
They could wind up signing one of those players, especially a starting pitcher, to a long-term deal, but based on this report, if they can help it, the Braves would like to keep the 26th pick received thanks to Baldwin's 2025 season.
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