The Atlanta Braves are on top of the baseball world for the first time since 1995.
Against all odds, the team found a way to get the job done in 2021.
The organization will likely spend several months enjoying the thrill of winning it all, but while that happens, Atlanta also needs to get some things done.
This offseason needs to be a big one for the Braves if they want to return as contenders in 2022.
Here are a few free agents the team should target.
3. Aaron Loup
Atlanta had a fine bullpen in the 2021 regular season (3.97 ERA), and the unit rose to the occasion with a great showing in the playoffs (3.11 ERA).
That said, you can never have enough relief help, and the Braves would be wise to add one or two bullpen arms this offseason.
Aaron Loup would be a huge addition for this team.
The lefty had an outstanding 2021 season in which he posted a tiny 0.95 ERA, 2.45 FIP, and 0.94 WHIP.
He was unbelievably effective, and as a result, he’s one of the top relief arms available this offseason.
Aaron Loup, Wicked 86mph Cutter…and Sword. 🤢⚔️ pic.twitter.com/CAnahIYZ9N
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 15, 2021
Loup obviously isn’t the only relief pitcher who would make sense for the Braves to target, but he would certainly be a flashy signing.
We’ll see if Atlanta gets involved in the sweepstakes for the 33-year-old.
2. Eddie Rosario (Re-Sign)
Atlanta’s outfield needs to be a major point of emphasis this offseason, and retaining Eddie Rosario would be a big step in the right direction.
The 30-year-old joined the Braves at the trade deadline, and he ended up being a phenomenal addition.
He slashed .271/.330/.573 over 33 regular-season games with the Braves.
Moreover, in the postseason, he played out of his mind.
The former fourth-round pick batted .383 with a 1.073 OPS during Atlanta’s playoff run, and he earned NLCS MVP honors along the way.
There’s no telling if the Braves would have won it all without him.
Rosario certainly seems like a great fit with the organization, and it would make a lot of sense for the two sides to remain together in 2022.
1. Freddie Freeman (Re-Sign)
Who else could be at the top of this list except for Freddie Freeman?
Although Braves fans are ecstatic about their World Series title, many folks are also frustrated that the team hasn’t already inked Freeman to a long-term deal.
"I'm at a loss for words … this is it." @FreddieFreeman5 is so pure ❤️ pic.twitter.com/yb0A1S9LXf
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 3, 2021
The superstar is coming off of another fantastic season in 2021, which seems to be the norm for him.
The five-time All-Star is consistently one of the best hitters in baseball.
Since the start of the 2016 season, he has a .946 OPS and 146 OPS+.
That sort of production would be impressive to sustain over the course of just ONE season, but to do it over the course of SIX?
That’s pretty remarkable.
Atlanta would not be the same team without Freeman, and fans would be devastated to see the 32-year-old in a different uniform next season.
Will the Braves do the right thing and lock him down before another club swoops in?
Only time will give us an answer.
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