The quiet period for MLB free agency ends tomorrow as we start seeing free agents ink deals with other teams. For the Braves, all eyes will be on the shortstop market. The team has stated they would love to bring back Dansby Swanson; however, they could also have their eyes on some bigger prizes.
Four premier shortstops are set to hit the free agent market — Carlos Correa, Trea Turner, Dansby Swanson, and Xander Bogaerts. Two of which — Correa and Bogaerts — are represented by renowned agent Scott Boras, who was recently asked about how the Braves view the current crop of free agent shortstops.
I asked Scott Boras if he could see the Braves going after Correa or Bogaerts (his clients).
He said ATL seems to have clear opinions on the SS market.
"I would say, clearly, the Braves have a pecking order among the shortstops, no doubt,” Boras added as part of his answer.
— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) November 9, 2022
Now, the Braves have always been very hesitant to deal with Boras in the past, and for a good reason. He is the best at getting his clients the most money. That’s why most high-valued free agents sign with him. On the other side, the Braves have typically been a team with tight wallets that don’t want to overpay for players.
I don’t expect the Braves philosophy to change; just look at all the guys they already have locked up to affordable, team-friendly contracts. With that being said, this isn’t the same Atlanta Braves team, in terms of payroll, that we’ve seen in the past. Liberty Media has shown a willingness to spend big, and most recently, Braves Chairman Terry McGuirk said the goal is for the team to have a top-five payroll.
Alex Anthopoulos showed an interest in Carlos Correa last offseason before he signed with the Twins, and I expect that to be the case again this winter. He very well could be at the top of Atlanta’s list, but I still have a hard time believing they will be the team to hand Correa a contract worth around $300 million. Bogaerts will also likely demand a deal worth north of $200 million, which is why I believe Dansby Swanson remains the most likely option for the Braves. But if his price tag also starts going bonkers, Alex Anthopoulos may finally feel it is the time to go after one of these superstar free agents.
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Photo: Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire
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