After Jorge Soler’s trade to the Los Angeles Angels, Alex Anthopoulos has made it clear he’s addressing the logjam created during this past trade deadline. With Ronald Acuña Jr. unlikely to be ready for the start of the 2025 season, the team faces uncertainty. Even with Acuña healthy, the Braves would need an outfielder to platoon with Jarred Kelenic. This challenge is compounded by the decision to non-tender Ramón Laureano to save $6 million.
Outfield Options for the 2025 Braves
The Braves’ 40-man roster includes six outfielders: Ronald Acuña Jr., Michael Harris II, Jarred Kelenic, Eli White, Luke Williams, and Carlos Rodriguez. Given the team’s other pressing needs, like starting pitching and shortstop, it’s unlikely Anthopoulos will spend heavily on an outfielder. Atlanta’s lineup is structured to compensate for a weaker ninth spot, with elite to above-average production from spots 1-8.
A trade for an outfielder this offseason seems unlikely, as the Braves already took on significant payroll with Jarred Kelenic. While Kelenic showed flashes of potential, lingering questions about his consistency point toward free agency as a more plausible route. Reports indicate the Braves are exploring the deep free-agent outfield market, with a preference for left-handed bats to balance their predominantly right-handed lineup. However, they may need to settle for a right-handed option.
Potential Free Agent Targets
Michael Conforto
Michael Conforto, who spent the past two seasons with the Giants, enters free agency with injury concerns but also bounce-back potential. In 2024, he hit .237 with a .309 OBP, .450 SLG, and 20 home runs in 130 games, earning a 1.3 bWAR and a 116 OPS+. Predicted to sign a two-year, $18 million deal, Conforto might consider a one-year “prove-it” deal, which could suit both him and the Braves.
Max Kepler
Max Kepler has been a steady presence for the Twins over ten seasons, though his 2024 offensive numbers—.253 AVG, .302 OBP, and .380 SLG—were below his standard. His defense, however, remained a strength, as his four outs above average (OAA) placed him in MLB’s 85th percentile. Ranked 30th on ESPN’s free-agent list, Kepler is projected to secure a two-year, $28 million contract.
Mike Tauchman
At 33, Mike Tauchman has thrived as a bench outfielder for the Cubs. Over the past two seasons, he posted a .250 AVG, .360 OBP, .372 SLG, and a 110 wRC+, along with a 3.2 bWAR. With Spotrac estimating his value at two years and $13 million, Tauchman offers a budget-friendly option for the Braves.
2025 Payroll Considerations
Anthopoulos has indicated the Braves’ payroll will increase for 2025. While last season’s payroll was approximately $232 million, the current projection stands at $202 million, leaving room for potential additions.
However, the team’s luxury tax obligations, projected at over $217 million, place them $24 million below the $241 million threshold. Crossing this line for the third consecutive year would result in escalating penalties, including a 50% tax on the first $20 million over the threshold and up to 110% for exceeding subsequent tiers.
With pressing needs in the starting rotation, bullpen, and at shortstop, Anthopoulos must carefully balance roster improvements against the risk of luxury tax penalties.
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