Free agency is still in its infancy stages, but the rumors are beginning to swirl.
Jon Heyman of the MLB Network recently reported the Braves are interested in third baseman Mike Moustakas.
Braves are looking at Mike Moustakas. Good fall-back candidate in case Josh Donaldson doesn’t work out.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 13, 2019
Moose is a natural fit to fill the shoes of Donaldson. He’s coming off back-to-back one-year deals and might finally be in for a multi-year contract this time around after an All-Star season. However, he will still cost a fraction of what Donaldson will go for, which would allow the Braves to allocate their funds elsewhere.
Heyman also reported earlier today that the Braves are letting Donaldson talk with other teams before meeting and discussing an extension. Although, it’s not like they could stop him if they wanted to. Several other clubs are interested, and there’s a high chance this becomes a bidding war – one Atlanta will have a tough time winning.
Braves would like to retain Josh Donaldson but are allowing him to shop around before engaging on a multiyear deal. So far he’s been linked to Rangers, Dodgers and Nats (though Washington’s 1st choice obvs is Rendon). Phillies could also fit.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 13, 2019
With that being said, Donaldson remains the Braves’ top priority. There’s a feeling he wants to be back as well, but it is going to take Liberty Media opening their pockets for this marriage to continue. If that doesn’t happen, Moustakas makes a ton of sense. The Braves don’t trust Austin Riley yet and are going to want to find a third baseman that can hit behind Freddie Freeman. Moose can serve as a stopgap until Riley is ready, providing similar power to Donaldson with not as much injury risk.
For more on Moustakas’ potential fit in Atlanta, click here.Â