Atlanta Braves: 5 moves to repeat as World Series champions
By Tim Boyle
The Braves should consider bringing back one of their midseason acquisitions for outfield depth
Eddie Rosario. Jorge Soler. Joc Pederson. It doesn’t really matter. One of these free agents needs to be back on the Braves. And not just for sentimentality.
Rosario was the hero of the NLCS while Soler took over as the World Series MVP on the club’s march to a parade. All three were acquired mid-year in 2021 along with Adam Duvall, one of the remaining outfielders the team has under contract for the 2022 season.
The addition of the DH to the National League gives the Braves one more spot on the roster to hold an everyday bat. Whether it’s Marcell Ozuna or someone else who assumes this role, the Braves could probably benefit from having at least one veteran outfielder from this trio back for more in 2022.
There’s a case to make for each of them. It would largely depend on what the rest of the market looks like and other moves the Braves may make. Selecting one of these three to be the everyday left fielder could pay off for Atlanta. Because none should end up as particularly high-priced free agents, the Braves can freely spend elsewhere, too.
The injury to Ronald Acuña Jr. nearly derailed the team in 2021. Instead of something like this happening again and the team being forced to buy further at the trade deadline, why not sign a guy who already helped you win once?