The Atlanta Braves had a disappointing postseason in 2024. They could look to sign some cheaper free agents in free agency to give them a boost in 2025.
Alex Anthopoulos has noted the payroll will increase, but the team will be mindful of exceeding the second tier of the luxury tax. While listing players the Braves could sign on cheaper deals, FanSided’s Steven Teal urged the team to reunite with 2021 postseason hero Joc Pederson.
“Joc did a pretty good job for the Diamondbacks in 2024 with an impressive .275/.392/.531 slash line and 22 homers in 407 plate appearances. He functioned in a platoon role and was mostly a designated hitter. The Braves need to decide if they believe he’s good enough to play the field still before making a decision,” wrote Teal. “Atlanta has been rumored to want a left-handed bat in free agency and Pederson still has juice in his bat. He is projected to earn a two-year deal worth $26 million in free agency. He’s already a fan favorite from his time in Atlanta during the 2021 season so there’s no reason to think he wouldn’t return.”
The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal noted that the Braves would prefer to add a left-handed bat this offseason. Spotrac projects Pederson to sign a two-year, $29 million deal in free agency. He had a productive season in Arizona. The only downside with Pederson is his defense. He appeared as strictly a designated hitter in 2024.
The Braves already have Marcell Ozuna occupying their DH spot. Ozuna can play in the outfield if needed, but he can be a liability out there. The Braves only used him in the outfield twice all of last season.
Pederson was a key player for the Braves when they won the World Series in 2021. He came over from the team from the Chicago Cubs and gave Braves fans a “Joctober” to remember. He went 8-for-29 in the National League Division Series and National League Championship Series with three home runs and nine RBIs.