Braves add outfielder, latest free agency and trade rumors

The MLB Winter Meetings wrapped up yesterday, and the Braves finally made a meaningful external addition, signing Mike Yastrzemski to a two-year, $23 million contract.

Yastrzemski will make $9 million in 2026 and gives Atlanta a starting-caliber outfielder who can competently handle all three defensive spots. He has posted at least 2.0 WAR in each of his seven major-league seasons, including a 2.8 mark last year. It’s also worth noting he finished 2025 on a tear, launching nine homers with an .839 OPS over his final 50 games with the Kansas City Royals. Most of his starts will likely come against right-handed pitchers, whom he owns an .809 career OPS against.

Braves eyeing high-priced relievers

According to Ken Rosenthal, the Braves were in on All-Star closer Edwin Díaz before he signed with the Dodgers, but their reluctance to match Los Angeles’ offer largely came down to the qualifying offer Díaz rejected. Signing him would have required Atlanta to surrender its second-highest draft pick — which, in this case, is the 26th overall selection the Braves earned via the PPI incentive after Drake Baldwin won NL Rookie of the Year. The Braves view that pick as extremely valuable, making it difficult to justify shelling out that kind of money for a reliever and forfeiting a first-rounder.

Still, Rosenthal notes the Braves remain aggressive in their search for high-leverage relief pitching. They had interest in Kyle Finnegan before he re-signed with Detroit and are now considering Padres flamethrower Robert Suarez.

Braves have checked in on Corey Seager

According to Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News, the Braves are among the teams that have checked in on All-Star shortstop Corey Seager. However, despite reports that the Rangers are looking to trim payroll, there’s no indication Texas is actually interested in moving him.

“The question is whether the club has any interest in furthering discussions,” Grant writes. “According to two people with knowledge of the conversations, several deep-pocketed teams, including the Boston Red Sox, have noted the Rangers’ financial approach to the winter and have expressed interest in Seager this offseason. While the Rangers have noted the interest and haven’t explicitly said he’s unavailable, they haven’t engaged in deeper discussions.

“Other teams that have inquired include Atlanta and the New York Yankees.”

Braves primary offseason focus appears clear

Prior to the addition of Mike Yastrzemski, Buster Olney reported the sense among agents is Alex Anthopoulos’ primary focus is on the pitching staff.

“My sense of Alex Anthopoulos is his focus — and I’ve heard this a lot from agents — is pitching, and pitching, and pitching,” Olney said. “I think that Framber Valdez would be a really nice fit there.”

The Braves chose to address their outfield need with a relatively affordable option, which should leave them with plenty of financial flexibility to aggressively pursue the remaining starters and relievers on the market. It would be shocking if Atlanta didn’t walk away with at least one starting pitcher and a couple more bullpen arms before the offseason is over.

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Photo: Bob Kupbens/Icon Sportswire

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