Atlanta Braves’ offseason needs start with a right-handed bat at MLB GM meetings

By Mark Bowman, Braves.com

ATLANTA — With baseball’s general managers meetings underway in Las Vegas, Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos has plenty to discuss. Atlanta needs at least one starting pitcher, but the biggest improvement could come from a right-handed bat who can help the lineup most days.

The Braves ranked 26th among 30 major league teams with a .679 OPS from the right side this past season. Their left-handed hitters ranked sixth at .751. Austin Riley and Sean Murphy have been less productive over the past two seasons, and Jurickson Profar missed extended time because of performance-enhancing drug suspensions. Left field gives Atlanta a place to address that imbalance.

Mike Yastrzemski posted a .768 OPS against right-handed pitching over his final 99 games. That makes him a good fit for a platoon. A right-handed addition who could start in left against lefties and serve as the designated hitter when Drake Baldwin catches would give Atlanta more ways to keep that bat in the lineup.

Randy Arozarena and Seiya Suzuki are among the top right-handed outfielders on the free-agent market. Both received qualifying offers. If either declines and signs with Atlanta, the Braves would also give up multiple draft picks and $1 million in international bonus pool money, MLB.com’s Mark Bowman reported.

The rotation is harder to project. Spencer Strider is expected to be ready for spring training, but his recent injury history leaves questions about how much he can handle over a full season. Spencer Schwellenbach underwent elbow surgery in September. Chris Sale, Bryce Elder and Grant Holmes are in the rotation picture, with Didier Fuentes and AJ Smith-Shawver among the internal options. Bowman identified a reunion with free agent Tyler Mahle as one possibility.

Fuentes could also help a bullpen that may need several additions. Closer Raisel Iglesias is a free agent, Robert Suarez missed three months with an elbow issue, and Dylan Lee struggled in the second half.

At shortstop, Mauricio Dubón could draw interest in a thin free-agent market. Jim Jarvis is the leading internal option if Dubón leaves. Houston’s Jeremy Peña could be a trade target if the Astros make him available.