Fansided

4 players Braves missed on at the deadline, but can sign this offseason

By Cody Williams

BOSTON, MA - JULY 23: Adam Duvall #18 of the Boston Red Sox is congratulated after scoring against the New York Mets during the third inning at Fenway Park on July 23, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - JULY 23: Adam Duvall #18 of the Boston Red Sox is congratulated after scoring against the New York Mets during the third inning at Fenway Park on July 23, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) /
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Atlanta Braves, Braves Rumors, Joc Pederson
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 28: Joc Pederson #23 of the San Francisco Giants hits a solo home run in the bottom of the eighth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Oracle Park on July 28, 2023 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

2. Braves can bring Joc Pederson back this offseason for OF/DH platoon

Speaking of potential platoons and former players that could be brought back to Atlanta, Joc Pederson could be an option.

At the trade deadline, a reunion with Pederson was floated as an option for the Braves relatively early in the rumor mill starting to turn. But with the San Francisco Giants making a run to compete in the wild card race and even the NL West race too, they became more of a buyer than a seller, not looking to sell off an expiring contract in Pederson.

Pederson has remained the player he’s long been, though. He still absolutely mashes right-handed pitching as the lefty has an .837 OPS on the year against righties with 11 home runs, seven doubles, and two triples with 35 RBI and even 29 walks on the year in those splits.

Atlanta has been rewarded this season for their patience — even to the chagrin of the fan base at many points — with Marcell Ozuna as the veteran DH has finally found his groove as a power-hitting right-hander again. But you know what could make him even more dangerous? Platooning him with a righty killer like Pederson based on matchups.

Not only would that platoon further strengthen the Braves lineup, but it would also give the club even further injury insurance and outfield depth — though Pederson isn’t exactly going to be a top option with the leather. In any case, he’s a familiar face and World Series hero who could have a big-time effect on Atlanta’s offense being somehow even better in 2024 if the club can bring him back.

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