Last week, I ranked the Braves free agents by priority. I also provided the odds that each one of them would return. So, in wrapping things up, I will predict the contract of each Braves free agent. Once again, with Adam Duvall and Joc Pederson both opting out of their mutual options, they will also be included in this piece.
Drew Smyly
2022 contract prediction: 1-year, $6 million
Smyly wasn’t worth the $11 million the Braves handed him last offseason, but he’s still a quality veteran that can be slotted at the back-end of a rotation or be used out of the bullpen. As I’ve said multiple times already this offseason, the Braves probably won’t be interested, but somebody will scoop him up on a one-year deal.
Ehire Adrianza
2022 contract prediction: 1-year, $1.5 million
I have a feeling Adrianza will be back with the Braves. He’s a true super-utility man off the bench that can play anywhere on the diamond and switch hits. Add in the fact that he shouldn’t cost too much, and the Braves shouldn’t hesitate in re-signing him this offseason.
Chris Martin
2022 contract prediction: 1-year, $2.5 million
I don’t think it will be the Braves, but someone will surely pick Martin up on a one or two-year deal.
Jesse Chavez
2022 contract prediction: 1-year, $2 million
He may be approaching 40, but Chavez was a savior for the Braves out of the bullpen this season. Given how few right-handed relief options Atlanta already has at their disposal, they should want to bring Chavez back on a short-term deal.
Adam Duvall
2022 contract prediction: 1-year, $8.8 million
Duvall has one last year of arbitration remaining, and I expect the Braves to try and get something done without going to arbitration. MLB Trade Rumors puts Duvall’s arb-figure at $9.1 million, so I’ll say they settle at something just below that and avoid arbitration.
Joc Pederson
2022 contract prediction: 1-year, $12 million
Pederson’s immaculate vibes alone might earn him a contract like this. What he did for the Braves can’t be quantified on his Baseball-Reference page. He saved Atlanta’s season; however, I think we’ve seen the last of him in a Braves uniform. He wants to play every day, which won’t be possible in Atlanta.
Eddie Rosario
2022 contract prediction: 2-years, $14 million
Rosario struggled with the Indians before being traded to Atlanta, but he has a track record of success, and his run to end the season with the Braves should attract multiple suitors. I believe he’s in line to earn a multi-year contract, and the Braves should be interested at this price point.
Jorge Soler
2022 contract prediction: 2-years, $25 million
MLB Trade Rumors actually had Soler earning a three-year contract worth $36 million. With the DH likely coming to the National League, I wouldn’t be totally surprised. But still, I find it much more likely he takes a one or two-year contract in free agency. Perhaps that’s wishful thinking, though, because I would love for Soler to end up back in Atlanta.
Freddie Freeman
2022 contract prediction: 6-years, $185 million
Many people are pointing to the five-year, $130 million contract that 32-year-old Paul Goldschmidt signed with the Cardinals back in 2019, and it makes sense. Goldschmidt was in his prime and competing for MVP awards at the time of his extension, and Freeman will also be 32-years-old. However, Goldschmidt never won an MVP or a World Series, which Freeman has done over the last two seasons. Goldschmidt also never hit unrestricted free agency. For all of those reasons, Freeman will receive a significantly better contract. I expect the Braves’ first baseman to get at least one more year than Goldschmidt with a higher AAV.
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