MLB Atlanta Braves

Atlanta Braves: Top 5 Offseason Team Needs

Atlanta Braves: Top 5 Offseason Team Needs

John Scheurholz
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The Atlanta Braves enter the offseason with a host of things to accomplish if they want to be competitive in 2015. There are holes all over this roster that need to be filled to put the Braves back in contention. John Hart, or whoever the new GM ends up being, inherits a talented, youthful roster but it needs improvement. Here are the top five needs as the Braves look to go shopping before next season.

5. Second Baseman

Dan Uggla, Atlanta Braves
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

5. Second Baseman

Dan Uggla, Atlanta Braves
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Second base has been a black hole for the better part of three seasons. The Dan Uggla deal turned into a disaster and has left the Braves with a void in the middle of their infield. Tommy LaStella looked like just a guy after hot start, and Phil Gosselin doesn't look much better. The Braves need to upgrade this position. The answer might be in house with Jose Peraza, but if he's not ready a trade or free agent signing will be necessary.

4. Center Fielder

B.J. Upton, Atlanta Braves CF
Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

4. Center Fielder

B.J. Upton, Atlanta Braves CF
Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Unfortunately, center field has been just as much of a hole as second base has been since B.J. Upton was signed. The talented, yet disappointing outfielder is not the answer for the Braves. No one expected an MVP season, but it's been just awful. The Braves will have to get as much of his contract off the books as possible and then find a replacement. They will not improve on offense with a bat like his in the lineup. A fresh face is needed.

3. Bullpen Depth

Craig Kimbrel, Atlanta Braves RP
Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

3. Bullpen Depth

Craig Kimbrel, Atlanta Braves RP
Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Craig Kimbrel had a disappointing season by the standards he has set, but he still was one of the best closers in baseball. The bridge to get to him looked more like a revolving door in 2014. The Braves need to improve their depth behind Kimbrel and get a couple of reliable setup men who can get the lead to the ninth and let Kimbrel shut the door. They've had that the last several season, but injuries and free agent departures finally caught up.

2. Frontline Starter

Julio Teheran, Atlanta Braves SP
Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

2. Frontline Starter

Julio Teheran, Atlanta Braves SP
Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Hindsight is 20/20, but obviously the Braves made a mistake in not re-signing Tim Hudson. This team is now in desperate need of an ace who can lead the rotation and be the stopper if the offense hits a skid. Julio Teheran is a great young arm, but he'd be that much better if there was someone in front of him to continue showing him the ropes. David Price would look great in a Braves uniform, but if not him someone has to fill this role in 2015.

1. Leadoff Hitter

Jason Heyward, Atlanta Braves RF
Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

1. Leadoff Hitter

Jason Heyward, Atlanta Braves RF
Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

The Braves have struggled to fill the leadoff spot for years. They found the answer briefly in a trade for Michael Bourn, but he was let go as well. The best chance this team has at winning is if Jason Heyward can continue to mature in a run-producing role. The biggest need for this team is someone who can get on base, put pressure on a defense and steal bases. Finding a piece like that could unlock a lot of offensive potential and consistency.

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