2. Monster Braves free agent target: Trea Turner
Is Trea Turner necessary for the Braves? Not quite. They could re-sign Swanson and go the familiar route. They could also hand the shortstop gig over to Vaughn Grissom. Grissom did play well enough to deserve a starting role next year. However, if Atlanta wants to get creative, he could turn into a trade candidate and the Braves can pony up the money to pay Turner to become their new starting shortstop.
A game of musical chairs could take place this offseason at the shortstop position. Turner is a free agent. So are guys like Carlos Correa and Xander Bogaerts. With teams like the Baltimore Orioles and Chicago Cubs expected to be in play for all four, the Braves need to be sure they’re either fully confident in Grissom or willing to add a surer thing.
Turner is an incredibly exciting player. He can run. He can hit for power. He is everything you could ask for on the field.
Atlanta has gained a reputation for signing its top prospects to early extensions. It will help them long term. Sometimes, they will need to take the approach of other organizations and dip into free agency.
Turner is one of the most monstrous free agents this offseason. While maybe not a priority for the Braves, signing him and using Grissom in a trade to improve another area could be a wiser play.