3 Free Agents the Braves Should Target in the Offseason

The Atlanta Braves won 97 games en route to an NL East title, and they were the odds on favorites in the NLDS against the St. Louis Cardinals. However, they lost in embarrassing fashion in five games and are heading home earlier than expected.

That fact alone will create change on the roster, and you can bet GM Alex Anthopoulos will have an eye on the free agent market to switch things up a bit. If that ends up being the case, here are three free agents the Braves should target this offseason.

3. OF Nick Castellanos

Chicago Cubs v New York Mets / Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

There's a good chance the Atlanta Braves are unable to re-sign third baseman Josh Donaldson, giving Austin Riley a chance to play everyday at the hot corner. You could understand Atlanta picking up Nick Markakis' cheap option, but either way, they need someone to take over the cleanup spot. Enter outfielder Nick Castellanos, who once he got out of Detroit and went to the Chicago Cubs was a man possessed at the dish, slashing .321/.356/.646 with 16 home runs and 36 RBI. His power to right field is impressive, which fits right into the dimensions at SunTrust Park, and he'd fit in the lineup perfectly hitting behind Freddie Freeman.

2. RHP Dellin Betances

Divisional Round - Boston Red Sox v New York Yankees - Game Four / Mike Stobe/Getty Images

Even with Mark Melancon and Shane Greene in the fold for 2020, the Braves need to augment their bullpen. Yes, Dellin Betances pitched in only one game this year due to injury, but when he's healthy he has big time stuff that can lock down games late. He'd be a perfect buy-low candidate for Atlanta, which is something they could use with Melancon making $14 million next year.

1. LHP Madison Bumgarner

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If Dallas Keuchel is brought back, this is a moot point. However, that is certainly not a done deal, and with the postseason he just had, maybe the Braves should look elsewhere. Madison Bumgarner is from Braves Country and would be a perfect fit for this rotation, especially once October roles around. Atlanta is not in the mood of just being "happy to be hear" in the postseason. They'll be judged on their playoff success, and who better to have then a postseason legend like Bumgarner?