As the MLB offseason winds down, it’s time to plot and see if the Atlanta Braves could make any additional signings before spring training that would make a difference to their 2026 roster.
Atlanta has been more than active this offseason, but in such a tough National League, the roster is far from being a certified World Series-contending team. Some of the team’s offseason additions include Robert Suarez, Mike Yastrzemski, and Mauricio Dubon. With the Mike Yastrzemski addition, the assumption is that he will play left field, and Jurickson Profar will move over to the DH position. A recent prediction has the Braves adding right-handed outfielder Austin Hays to help with more outfield depth and to be deployed as a platoon option.
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Braves Urged to Sign Austin Hays in Free Agency
MLB free agency is starting to thin out, which is the perfect time for a team like the Braves to make a value signing like Austin Hays, which would end up helping out greatly come the 2026 season.
According to JustBaseball.com’s Taylor Greenhunt, who breaks down Aram Leighton and Peter Appel’s podcast regarding how the two MLB contributors would manage the Braves, the Braves are predicted to land Austin Hays in free agency:
“Sign Free-Agent Outfielder Austin Hays to a One-Year, $5.5 Million Deal”
“While his overall numbers are solid, his production against left-handed pitching stands out. Pairing him with Yastrzemski would create strong value in aggregate and give Atlanta flexibility late in games.”
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 30: Austin Hays #12 of the Cincinnati Reds reacts after a single against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the seventh inning in game one of the National League Wild Card Series at Dodger Stadium on September 30, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Austin Hays hit .266 with 15 home runs, 64 RBIs, and an OPS+ of 105 over 106 games in 2025.
He could serve as a strong platoon option and be a great late-game option for Walt Weiss if the Braves want to play a match-up game with opposing pitchers.
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Could the Braves Pull Off this Signing?
There have been no recent reports from Atlanta Braves insiders regarding if they will sign any more players.
Considering they have spent over $70 million on the bullpen this season, and most of their position players are locked up to long-term deals, one can assume the Braves might be done making big signings, but adding a guy like Austin Hays on a $5.5 million deal seems like fair market value.
In fact, Spotrac projects Hays to earn a one-year, $5.1 million contract for 2026, and BaseballReference.com predicts he will hit .263 with 13 home runs over 395 at-bats.
There are about three weeks until MLB spring training, but some players’ free agency trails typically tickle past the start of spring camp, which could be the case for Austin Hays as he and his agent attempt to find the right fit. There are several MLB teams that are eager to add an outfielder, so Atlanta might have to outbid other suitors if it wants to acquire him.
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Braves Urged to Sign 15-Home Run Outfielder As Platoon Option