The Atlanta Braves entered Wednesday with eight arbitration-eligible players heading into the non-tender deadline, and seven of those players are going to be back with Atlanta for the 2021 season.
The one player who isn't returning (at the moment) is OF Adam Duvall, who has now become a free agent.
It was a decision that took many by surprise and certainly leaves a few questions to be answered. Duvall looked to be in prime position to be a starting outfielder for Atlanta. Now there is a hole to fill both defensively and in the lineup with Duvall gone.
It's more than possible that Duvall will come back to Atlanta via free agency, but that's not something you can necessarily count on. So what are the other options?
John and Hugh took a look at Duvall's exit and the hole it leaves in the lineup and in the field and how they expect Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos to fill it.
"I think what all this said to me is that, without Marcell Ozuna there is a hole in the lineup, and it’s a glaring hole," explains Fricke. "You have to find somebody to fill that slot and you’re going to have to go into free agency or make a trade for somebody like Kris Bryant, George Springer, or Marcell Ozuna.
"I think there is going to be a big name coming to the Braves and Anthopoulos has enough room and enough latitude from Liberty to make a big, bold move here."
Even if they Braves don't add a piece from outside, there are some options. The Braves did bring back Johan Camargo yesterday and as a last resort you could see Austin Riley return to the outfield and Camargo take over as an everyday third baseman.
