3 free agents Braves should sign after missing out on J.T. Realmuto

Atlanta could have one of the strongest outfields in baseball again

The Braves cannot let their outfield become a weakness overnight. While Ronald Acuña Jr. is a star in centerfield for now, he will eventually move to right field once Cristian Pache is ready to take over full-time at the big league level. Pache is the Braves’ top prospect for a reason. However, Atlanta still has one outfield spot to address. Could Jackie Bradley Jr. be a fit for the 2021 team?

Bradley spent his entire eight-year MLB career with the Boston Red Sox, winning a World Series with the 2018 team. Though he is not far removed from winning it all, Boston looks to be in the midst of a rebuilding process already. Who is to say the soon-to-be 31-year-old will be part of their long-term plans? If Mookie Betts was not, then what would make Bradley any different?

Though Bradley does not suffice the power right-hand bat for the Braves, he could play Gold Glove-caliber defense at any outfield spot, depending on how skipper Brian Snitker wants to align Acuña and Pache, in conjunction with Bradley. Essentially, the Braves would be getting a younger version of Nick Markakis, someone still has the ability to start everyday in the outfield for them.

Bradley may not have grown up in Braves Country, but he did play his college baseball for the South Carolina Gamecocks, a star program firmly entrenched in the fandom’s reach. While his career line of .239/.321/.412 may make Braves fans shudder into thinking they would be getting the next B.J. Upton, we are only two years removed from Bradley winning 2018 ALCS MVP.