The Braves’ starting rotation could take a hit with Max Fried being one of the top free agents available. He’s projected to land a deal that will clear $100 million easily and may end up being out of Atlanta’s price range.
If the Braves do end up losing Fried, they should turn their attention to adding more offense. It may make sense to add more offense to the outfield, especially with Ronald Acuña Jr.’s return timeline unclear at this point.
Because of this, The Athletic’s Tim Britton, Aaron Gleeman, and Chad Jennings listed Atlanta among the “best fits” for Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Teoscar Hernández on a projected $69 million deal.
“Unsatisfied with the lukewarm multi-year deals he was offered last winter, Hernández signed a one-year pact with the Dodgers and delivered one of the best seasons of his career,” Britton, Gleeman, and Jennings said. “He won the Home Run Derby, came through with a couple clutch postseason knocks, came within an RBI of a 30/100 season, cut down his strikeouts and upped his walks and thus his on-base percentage.
“Hernández is never going to be confused with a contact hitter or an above-average defender in the corner outfield…Britton’s projection: three years, $69 million. Best fits: (Atlanta Braves), (Los Angeles Dodgers), (New York Mets).”
Hernández launched 33 home runs in 2024 while earning his second All-Star nod. A $69 million deal for that type of production certainly seems worth it. This would be a great move.
