After seeing their streak of consecutive playoff appearances end in 2025, a top MLB insider is predicting the Atlanta Braves will make a huge splash in MLB free agency by landing a pair of top players on this year's market.
Heading into this past season, Atlanta had high hopes of a return to being a World Series contender. Especially with top star Ronald Acuna Jr. and ace Spencer Strider returning to a team that reached the playoffs in 2024, with both out for almost all of that season. However, they struggled mightily in 2025.
For the first time in nearly a decade, the Braves were watching the MLB playoffs from home this fall. After coming up well below expectations, there has already been a big change in the organization after legendary manager Brian Snitker stepped down. He has been replaced by bench coach Walt Weiss. But what about the roster?
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If Atlanta wants to compete in the arms race with the Phillies and Mets , it needs more talent. USA Today MLB insider Bob Nightengale believes they will add some this offseason, and it will be two of the best on the free agent market.
Bo Bichette stats: .311 AVG, .357 OBP, .483 SLG, .840 OBS, 18 HR, 94 RBI, 78 R
In a new predictions piece for all the best players available , Nightengale believes Atlanta is going to target and sign talented two-time Blue Jays All-Star Bo Bichette. Shortstop is a position they badly need to improve, and the gifted hitter would be a huge improvement over who they had at short in 2025.
However, Nightengale does not think the Braves will end there. You can never have enough pitching, and with Chris Sale in the final year of his contract, Atlanta must look into finding a long-term replacement for the 36-year-old. It seems that the veteran MLB insider believes the club will do that by signing one-time Cy Young contender Dylan Cease.
Dylan Cease stats: 8-12 record, 4.55 ERA, 1.327 WHIP, 215 SO, 71 BB, 168.0 IP
The seven-year veteran had a down year in 2025. However, he has won 13 or more three times, is a top-notch strikeout pitcher, and when he is at his best, is a legit No. 1 pitcher on any pitching staff.
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