REPORT: Braves Seeking Left-Handed Outfielder to Join Acuña, Harris | Atlanta Braves Podcast

In this episode of Braves Today, host Lindsay Crosby discusses the Atlanta Braves' interest in acquiring a left-handed hitting outfielder for the 2025 season, as reported by Ken Rosenthal. Crosby reviews the current outfield depth, explains the team's offensive performance against left-handed pitchers, and considers potential free agency targets like Max Kepler, Michael Conforto, and Alex Verdugo. Crosby also addresses the Braves' historical free-agent strategy under GM Alex Anthopoulos, evaluating the likelihood of pursuing top-market players and exploring depth options. Tune in to get the latest updates on the Braves' off-season plans and roster considerations.

01:26 Current Outfield Roster and Lefty Preference
03:23 Why the Braves Want a Lefty Hitter
07:14 Braves' Free Agency Strategy
12:18 Potential Lefty Outfield Targets
12:52 Analyzing Max Kepler and Michael Conforto
21:10 Depth Options: Verdugo, Carlson, and Winker
29:11 Conclusion and Mailbag Reminder

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[timwilliamsart]

If you love the Braves and aren't watching the videos that Lindsay makes, you're really missing out. Best Braves videos currently being produced, hands down.

[sfbassist]

Mailbag Question: If we expect more typical seasons from the infield + Harris, on a scale of 1-10, how bad do we need an outfielder? I say get a starter and and look at a solid O/D Shortstop. If we end Arcia's offense, you can handle lumpy results from Kelenic and low output from White.

[acgonzales]

Unless they've completely given up on Kelenic after one year, a LH doesn't make sense to me. Platooning him with a RH seems like the better option. I like Kepler but I think they'll shop on the lower end of the OF pool.

[putt]

First of all love the content so informative and u can tell u put a lot of work into it, thanks . 2nd would you as a Gm go under the penalty this yr to reset the tax threshold ? If not when would a season be right too ?

[jaredjustice]

Why is there so much hate for Kelenic? Why not him as the everyday starter? I think the platoon with him actually hurt. Why platoon him with another lefty? Seems more realistic to platoon with Eli white until acuna returns

[jessedaly]

I would love Conforto. I’ve wanted him for some time now and believe he would do very well in Atlanta. Problem with Conforto is he is a Scott Boras guy and Atlanta and AA seem unwilling to do business with him. Maybe that changes but I see it as unlikely.

[bobbyscott]

Since 2021:

Player A: xBA .258, xOBP .319, xSLG .464, xwOBA .339, hard hit% 45.1, barrel/pa% 7.7
Player B: xba .254, xOBP .319, .xSLG .460, xwOBA .338, hard hit% 45.5, barrel/pa% 7.9

Player A is Santander (as a LHH) and Player B is Jesus Sanchez. I think Sanchez can be a fine hitter with great power if someone could fix the plate discipline and he's likely cheaper than Verdugo, Winker, Santander, Kepler, or Conforto.

[markharbaugh]

For me Kelenic needs to be everyday left fielder. At least for one season. This past season didn’t tell us anything. He ended up doing way more than what he was expected to do, at least in terms of his responsibilities. He was supposed to be a bottom of the order batter and the left fielder. Then he became the lead off guy playing center field… let him play left fielder and hit at the bottom of the order for a full year before we use this past season as our measuring stick for how good Kelenic is.
I think the Braves simply need to get a quality outfielder that is a respectable hitter and solid outfielder. Acuna ain’t starting the season. So we should be saying “braves need to get a third outfielder to start the season next to Kelenic and Harris…” Harris showed he can hit in the lead off spot. Keep that warm until Acuna is ready. Then the guy AA gets to fill in at the beginning of the season becomes the extra outfielder, or potentially trade bait for the deadline.

[samg]

Do you think the new hitting coach will help arcia. Plus how will he affect free swinging n bad ball hitter Ozzie. Like older Vlad

[bravesno]

So in terms of order of need. 1) starting pitching and 2) outfield?

[JPotts]

I just don’t understand the problem with giving Kelenic the full time job?!? He has a great arm, plays good defense and is a speed threat. Give him a chance. How does Johan Rojas get the opportunity In Philadelphia but Kelenic not get a chance in Atlanta?

[Undertow]

Matt Olson also performs better in odd years

[Miguel.]

Sorry, Kelenic is not the answer for the Lf position. Because he's another BJ Upton. Mental issues are hard to fix it.

[EdoRiver]

2023 was an outlier. Don't let that year distort your data analysis going forward

[dkswindell]

Joc pederson needs to be back in Atlanta

[KOrnhOliO]

So, the Braves would rather have a left hand hitting outfielder who hits under .250 than Laureano who is a righty, but hit right at .300 ?
Laureano has a great arm, is fast, plays great defense and hit homers pretty often for the amount of at bats he got! Add to that, the Braves could have got him back for 6 million a year! I wish the Braves kept him! All these other possibilities were double his 6 million in salary and had somewhat bad negatives. The Braves don't need a guy who is always injured in every season!
Sure a lefty would be nice, but at double the salary for half the player? 🤷🤦😵‍💫