The Braves weren’t big spenders this offseason. The only free agent signing the club made was a $42 million deal handed to Jurickson Profar, who was popped for PEDs.

It left a lot of fans scratching their heads. After telling members of the media that payroll would rise all offseason, Alex Anthopoulos signed one notable free agent, leaving the pitching staff untouched.

Last year, the Braves payroll was over $238 million, but it has dropped to just over $215 million this year. That’s about $25 million in unspent payroll, and if rumors are true about Liberty Media wanting to reset the luxury tax, that could set Anthopoulos up to be a big spender this upcoming winter.

As of right now, the 2026 payroll is at $193.5 million. If the Braves were to reach the 2024 payroll of $238 million, that would give Anthopoulos about $43 million to spend in free agency, and maybe even more if they eclipse that number like AA said they would this past offseason.

So, let’s do a little way-too-early look at the 2025-26 free agent targets for the Braves. Here are some potential targets from MLB Trade Rumors’ top 10 power rankings:

2. Dylan Cease, RHP, Padres

Is this finally the offseason that Alex Anthopoulos goes big game hunting for a starting pitcher? The Braves have always been creative in addressing their rotation. Whether that’s moving Reynaldo Lopez out of the bullpen or trading for Chris Sale when his value was lowest, Anthopoulos has always avoided handing out lucrative long-term contracts to starting pitchers.

Cease might be the one who entices Anthopoulos to go outside of his comfort zone. He hasn’t been great so far this season, but from a stuff standpoint, very few can match his talent. Perhaps more importantly for the Braves, Dylan Cease has been an iron man. No starter has been more durable than Cease since 2020. His 145 starts since that COVID season lead all of baseball, and he owns a 3.64 ERA over that period.

The Braves made a run at Aaron Nola two offseasons ago, and many believed his durability was a driving factor in their pursuit. Perhaps Cease sparks similar interest.

3. Bo Bichette, SS, Blue Jays

Much like the rotation, the Braves have gone the frugal route at shortstop since Dansby Swanson left in free agency. Orlando Arcia has been a zero at the plate, and his defense isn’t good enough to make up for it. Following an awful season last year, Bichette is slashing .314/.364/.386 and is hitting the piss out of the ball.

The Braves will likely be competing with a slew of clubs in need of a shortstop, including the Blue Jays, who would probably like to keep the 27-year-old in Toronto. The price won’t be cheap, but it’s well past time the Braves found a suitable shortstop.

6. Zac Gallen, RHP, Diamondbacks

This starting pitcher class is absolutely loaded. If Alex Anthopoulos doesn’t come away with a high-caliber arm this upcoming winter, I don’t think he ever will. He’s not as durable as Cease, but his 132 starts since 2020 trail Cease by only 13, and his 3.38 ERA is better.

7. Framber Valdez, LHP, Astros

Valdez is older than Gallen and Cease, but since 2020, he owns a minuscule 3.11 ERA, a 24% strikeout rate and 8% walk rate in 125 starts. That’s 20 fewer than Cease and seven fewer than Gallen, but he has more innings under his belt because he’s one of the few starters who averages more than six innings per outing. The lefty will surely be on the Braves’ radar and will command fewer years than Gallen and Cease.

8. Michael King, RHP, Padres

Michael King has only been a full-time starter since 2024, but since 2022, he owns a 2.76 ERA with an insane 28.9% strikeout rate against a solid 8.2% walk rate.