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3 Best Moves Braves Can Make After Missing Out on Josh Donaldson

By Steven Kubitza

Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker will trot out in 2020 without Josh Donaldson in his lineup.
Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker will trot out in 2020 without Josh Donaldson in his lineup. / Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images

The Atlanta Braves were given a bit of a shock Tuesday when the news broke that Josh Donaldson had signed a four-year deal with the Minnesota Twins. The Braves now have to address the void left behind both on defense on the hot corner and in the lineup. Three big moves stand out as possible upgrades now that the Bringer of Rain is headed for the Twin Cities.

3. Sign Marcell Ozuna

Free agent OF Marcell Ozuna could provide power to the Braves lineup.
Free agent OF Marcell Ozuna could provide power to the Braves lineup. / Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

He may not play third base, but Marcell Ozuna remains on the market, and could provide some real power to the Atlanta lineup. He hit 29 home runs in 2019 and added 23 doubles. The outfielder did not achive stardom in St. Louis, but is only 29 years old, and the Braves could add him on a one or two-year deal now that Donaldson is gone.

2. Trade for Nolan Arenado

The Colorado Rockies are listening to trade offers for 3B Nolan Arenado.
The Colorado Rockies are listening to trade offers for 3B Nolan Arenado. / Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Trading for Nolan Arenado would cost the Braves a lot -- the same goes for Kris Bryant -- but would immediately fill a gaping hole at third base. The risk of such a move is Arenado opting out of the deal, that can run through 2026, after the 2021 season. Such a risk may be worth it, however, and even if he does opt out in two years, he makes the Braves an instant contender in 2020.

1. Sign Nicholas Castellanos

The Braves have been linked to free agent OF Nicholas Castellanos this offseason.
The Braves have been linked to free agent OF Nicholas Castellanos this offseason. / Quinn Harris/Getty Images

Signing outfielder Nicholas Castellanos would not make the kind of splash that re-signing Donaldson would have, but this guy does average 22 home runs per season and is only 27 years old. The fact he is still available likely signals his price tag is not as high as he himself thinks it is; just like with Ozuna, the Braves could add Castellanos on a short-term deal at an attractive price if they are comofortable with waiting things out.