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Braves Potential Free Agent Targets: Outfielders
David Banks-Imagn Images

This has all the makings of a fun offseason for the Atlanta Braves — the complete opposite of last winter, when Alex Anthopoulos essentially sat on his hands for five months.

A disappointing season can light a fire under any front office, and with the Braves having reset the luxury tax, there’s no excuse not to be aggressive once free agency begins and the trade market reopens after the World Series. If they aren’t, an already frustrated fan base has every reason to raise its pitchforks. This team brings in far too much revenue to be pinching pennies.

This continues a series where I cover the top free agent targets at each position of need for the Braves, moving on to outfielders. If you missed any of the previous parts to this series, follow the links below.

Braves Potential Free Agent Targets: Outfielders

Kyle Tucker

Kyle Tucker is the crown jewel of this year’s free agent class, likely in line for a $300–400 million contract this offseason. He’s accumulated 25.4 WAR over the last five years, including a 4.7 WAR campaign in 2024 despite appearing in just 78 games. Tucker does everything at a high level — hits for average and power, runs the bases well, and plays stellar defense in right field. He’ll almost certainly be out of the Braves’ price range, but it’s fun to dream.

Cody Bellinger

Bellinger seems to pop up as a potential Braves target every offseason, but if they haven’t pulled the trigger yet, it’s tough to see them doing so after his fantastic year in New York. He posted 5.0 WAR with 29 home runs and an .813 OPS. His defensive versatility will only boost his value. That said, his streaky offensive history dating back to 2021 could make some teams hesitant.

Trent Grisham

No one boosted their value more in 2025 than Bellinger’s teammate, Trent Grisham. Long seen as a fourth outfielder, he erupted for a career-high 34 homers and an .811 OPS. That newfound power, combined with elite defense in center field, will make him a popular name in free agency, but it’s hard to gauge what kind of contract he’ll command this winter.

Mike Yastrzemski

There’s nothing particularly sexy about Mike Yastrzemski’s game. His offensive production has steadily declined since his standout 2019 debut, but he still offers a bit of pop, above-average offense overall, and quality defense. On a short-term deal, he could be a useful addition to the Braves outfield mix.

Cedric Mullins

Mullins is trending in the opposite direction of Grisham. Not long ago, he was a top-10 finisher in AL MVP voting, posting 6.0 WAR in 2021. Now, after hitting just .216 in 2025, he’s likely looking at a one-year, prove-it contract. Mullins fits the mold of a classic Braves buy-low target, though the lack of guaranteed everyday at-bats in Atlanta might make it a poor match from his perspective.

Lane Thomas

If the Braves want a cheaper, flexible depth option, Lane Thomas makes some sense. He’s coming off an injury-shortened season, but just two years ago, he hit 28 homers and produced 3.3 WAR. His ability to play all three outfield positions only adds to his appeal.

Harrison Bader

Bader is fresh off the best offensive season of his career, hitting .277 with a .796 OPS. He’s long been known for his elite defense, and now that his bat has caught up, he should land a multi-year deal. His strong career splits against lefties would give the Braves some flexibility with their outfield and DH platoons.

This article first appeared on SportsTalkATL and was syndicated with permission.

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