MLB Atlanta Braves

5 Free Agents Atlanta Braves Could Pursue In Offseason

5 Free Agents Atlanta Braves Could Pursue In Offseason

Atlanta Braves
Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Braves enter the offseason needing to make some major adjustments to their roster. The budget will be a little tight so they may make more of a splash through the trade market than the free agent market, but they may still make a few signings. Here are a few free agents they could pursue leading into 2015.

5. Jon Lester

Jon Lester, Oakland A's SP
Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

5. Jon Lester

Jon Lester, Oakland A's SP
Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

This is most likely a pipe dream, but there are reports that money won't be the primary factor for Lester. A place he and his family feel most comfortable is what he is after. The Braves will still need to clear some salary, but Atlanta may be an attractive destination for Lester. There is a need for a top-flight starter, and if they can come to a compromise on salary, the Braves may find their man in Lester.

4. Nick Markakis

Nick Markakis, Baltimore Orioles OF
Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

4. Nick Markakis

Nick Markakis, Baltimore Orioles OF
Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

As it sits right now, the Braves have no space for a starting outfielder. That will change before Spring Training. At least one spot is going to open in the outfield, and potentially two. It is unlikely the Braves continue forward with B.J. Upton in center field. Markakis could fill a corner spot, and if Heyward stays he could patrol center field. Markakis would bring the Braves a solid bat who gets on base which they desperately need.

3. Jake Peavy

Jake Peavy, San Francisco Giants SP
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

3. Jake Peavy

Jake Peavy, San Francisco Giants SP
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

The Braves and Jake Peavy have been linked since Peavy's days in San Diego. There has always been speculated interest given Peavy is an Alabama native. This could be the year the two parties unite. Peavy would bring a solid, veteran presence to the rotation and help mentor youngsters Julio Teheran and Alex Wood. Unless his contract demands are high, this is a real possibility.

2. Ervin Santana

Ervin Santana, Atlanta Braves SP
Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

2. Ervin Santana

Ervin Santana, Atlanta Braves SP
Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Santana pitched well in an emergency signing for Atlanta. His frustration boiled over in September, but for the majority of the season he was a positive presence in Atlanta. He's not a superstar, but he proved he is capable of pacing a rotation. His salary expectations may preclude the Braves from signing him, but a multi-year deal is possible. At least the Braves will know what they're getting, which hasn't been the case for recent free agents.

1. Emilio Bonifacio

Emilio Bonifacio, Atlanta Braves UTIL
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

1. Emilio Bonifacio

Emilio Bonifacio, Atlanta Braves UTIL
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Bonifacio is the free agent I believe most likely to return in a Braves uniform. A return to "The Braves Way" will likely mean a focus on pitching, defense and versatility. Bonifacio can play all over the diamond and is more than serviceable everywhere. He would give Fredi Gonzalez tremendous flexibility and provide a lot of value to the Braves. Expect Atlanta to make every effort to re-sign their major trade acquisition of 2014.

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