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5 Players the Atlanta Braves Should Target In MLB Free Agency

Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

5 Players the Atlanta Braves Should Target In MLB Free Agency

Atlanta Braves
Jake Roth - USATODAY Sports

The Atlanta Braves were one of the worst teams in baseball in 2015, and it doesn’t figure to get much better for them in 2016 with so much money tied up in bad contracts, particularly in the outfield. Still, the Braves need to do something on the free agent market, whether it’s one big signing or several more modest additions. With that in mind, here are five players the Braves should target in free agency.

5. Chase Utley

Chase Utley, Philadelphia Phillies,
Getty Images

5. Chase Utley

Chase Utley, Philadelphia Phillies,
Getty Images

Utley is definitely a shadow of his former self, but that means the Braves will have a chance to get him on a cheap, incentive-laden contract. Atlanta can't be thrilled with the performance of Jace Peterson in 2015, so giving Utley a chance to take the job away from him may not be such a bad idea. If the Braves can get Utley on a low-risk contract, it'd be a positive move for Atlanta.

4. Ryan Madson

RyanMadson
Rick Osentoski - USATODAY Sports

4. Ryan Madson

RyanMadson
Rick Osentoski - USATODAY Sports

Madson was an important but often overlooked part of Kansas City's bullpen as the Royals won the World Series, and he's likely to end up going elsewhere this offseason. The Braves need a lot of help in their bullpen, and while Madson is likely in the final years of his career, he'd be an asset for Atlanta, who could use a couple veteran pitchers to complement some of the the younger arms they're hoping will pan out.

3. David Freese

David Freese-Gary A. Vasquez Second Slide 2
Gary A. Vasquez - USATODAY Sports

3. David Freese

David Freese-Gary A. Vasquez Second Slide 2
Gary A. Vasquez - USATODAY Sports

This would fall under the big-splash category, but it's not like the Braves are overflowing with great options at third base. With Freese at third base, the Braves would be in good shape at the corners, with Freddie Freeman at first base and Nick Markakis in right field, giving the Braves a formidable and powerful heart of the order offensively.

2. Matt Wieters

Matt Wieters
Getty Images

2. Matt Wieters

Matt Wieters
Getty Images

Atlanta can't be too excited about the prospect of Christian Bethancourt as their primary catcher next season after the disastrous 2015 he had, so the Braves should set their sights on a catcher this offseason. Wieters is arguably the best catcher available on the free agent market and would give Atlanta more pop in the middle of the lineup behind Freddie Freeman. He would also push Bethancourt to a backup role, which may suit him better.

1. Doug Fister

DFister
Brad Mills - USATODAY Sports

1. Doug Fister

DFister
Brad Mills - USATODAY Sports

If the Nationals don't want Fister back, the Braves should see if he has any interest in coming to Atlanta and playing against the Nats. The Braves have a slew of young pitchers they're hoping will pan out, but their rotation will need a veteran leader; Fister could be that guy. He's not an ace, but he's a quality starting pitcher who would could help provide leadership and guidance for Atlanta's otherwise young starting rotation.

Bryan Zarpentine is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.
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