5 free agent targets for the Atlanta Braves

Oct 27, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon (4) celebrates after hitting a solo home run against the New York Mets in the 9th inning in game one of the 2015 World Series at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 27, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon (4) celebrates after hitting a solo home run against the New York Mets in the 9th inning in game one of the 2015 World Series at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 27, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon (4) celebrates after hitting a solo home run against the New York Mets in the 9th inning in game one of the 2015 World Series at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 27, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon (4) celebrates after hitting a solo home run against the New York Mets in the 9th inning in game one of the 2015 World Series at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

Could the Atlanta Braves make a big splash in free agency before the start of the 2016 MLB Season?

The Atlanta Braves make look to acquire a key free agent or two like they did last year in signing right fielder Nick Markakis away from the Baltimore Orioles. In all honesty, the Atlanta Braves are likely going to rebuild again in 2016, hoping to return to competitiveness in 2017 when they begin play in new SunTrust Park.

Though Atlanta will want to stockpile prospects again in 2016, don’t think for a second that new general manager John Coppolella won’t want to sign a key piece of the puzzle a year early. The Braves have a loyal, nationwide following and a big free agent splash or two could make Braves Country feel a little better about the state of their team if they’ve got a new face or two the cheer for.

Last year, fans fell in love with Nick Markakis, catcher A.J. Pierzynski, closer Jason Grilli and starting pitcher Shelby Miller to name a few. Bringing players that were part of winning organizations last year could bode well for this young Atlanta Braves team.

Atlanta could sign one or none of these five guys, but do expect the club to bring in an All-Star caliber player this winter. Here are five free agents that could make sense in the Atlanta Braves’ plans for 2016.

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