Atlanta Braves free agents entering 2021 offseason

After a historic World Series win, the Atlanta Braves face difficult roster decisions as they end 2021 with 14 free agents, including Freddie Freeman.

Every MLB team is facing difficult decisions come the offseason, but the Braves may face some of the biggest challenges of any team.

The Braves, who are set to win their first World Series title in 26 years, have many players to celebrate for their historic ascent through the postseason.

The Braves came into the NL playoffs a division winner, but a distinctively weaker playoff team according to wins. While strong AL East teams like the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox claimed Wild Card slots and closed out the 91-71 Toronto Blue Jays, the 88-73 Atlanta Braves won their division by a six-win margin.

The Braves then took on the toughest teams in baseball in the Milwaukee Brewers, Los Angeles Dodgers, then the Houston Astros. In every series, the Braves have emerged victorious due to their talented roster.

Unfortunately for Atlanta, at least 14 of those talents will be hitting the free agent market this season.

The biggest question mark entering the 2021 offseason is where Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman will land next season. Freeman has been with the team since 2010, but winning the World Series for Atlanta makes Freeman worth more than his current $22 million salary. According to Jon Heyman, the Braves and Freeman were reportedly entering contract talks, but there was still a “gap” that made free agency a possibility.

“Both sides want to get it done and that’s the likelihood eventually,” Heyman said in early September.

“Reminiscent of Turner/LAD and HOF Jeter/NYY talks, great FA who stayed,” Heyman noted.

The expectation is that Atlanta will endeavor to bring Freeman back, but there’s also the issue of the 13 other emerging free agents, including Drew Smyly, Jorge Soler, and Eddie Rosario, among others.

Smyly has shined in October as his pitching performances gave Braves wins throughout their Series, while Soler has channeled his “Soler Power” nickname for commanding at-bats.  Days ago, Eddie Rosario was anointed a “World Series hero” for robbing Jose Altuve of what should have been a home run.

Freeman alone warrants a fortune for his World Series contributions, while his fellow teammates are all on reasonably-low contracts. As incredible as this World Series journey as been, resigning all 14 free agents will be a challenging feat for the World Champions in Atlanta.

Atlanta Braves : 2021 free agents

• Freddie Freeman
• Drew Smyly
• Jorge Soler
• Eddie Rosario
• Joc Pederson
• Adam Duvall
• Stephen Vogt
• Jeff Mathis
• Ehire Adrianza
• Josh Tomlin
• Sean Kazmir
• Edgar Santana
• Jesse Chavez
• Ryan Goins

After Atlanta revels in their first World Series title since 1995, Braves management will then have to enter their negotiations with some of the MLB’s top free agent candidates.