Atlanta Braves: 4 Candidates for Contract Extensions Through 2014

With the 2012 season officially in the books, the Atlanta Braves are looking ahead to big decisions in the offseason. 

Do they exercise the $12 million option on Brian McCann? Who will Atlanta target in free agency or the trade market? Who plays left field and third base next season?

Those are legitimate questions facing general manager Frank Wren this winter. 

It's also important to handle the core players of the franchise to make sure their long-term statuses are secure.

Here are four Braves who could be extension candidates in the near future. 

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Jason Heyward

Jason Heyward showed everyone why he deserved all the hype back in his first season in 2010.

The first-round pick in 2007 set career highs in home runs (27), RBI (82), runs scored (93), stolen bases (21) and doubles (30) in 158 games in 2012. This came after a 2011 season in which he battled injuries and constant struggles at the plate.

Heyward made crucial plays in the outfield as he ranked first among right fielders in the National League in assists (11) and putouts (331). 

The right fielder is expected to make $3.5 million in his first year of arbitration in 2013. Heyward made $565,000 in 2012. The earliest he can become a free-agent is 2016. 

Atlanta shouldn't feel rushed to re-sign him, but it should be brought up as he and the organization would like to avoid arbitration negotiations. 

Martin Prado

Martin Prado is arguably one of the most important players on the team. He played a number of positions this season and can hit anywhere in the lineup.

The 28-year-old batted .301 with 10 homers, 70 RBI and 42 doubles in 156 games in 2012. He also ranked fourth in NL with 186 hits, and first in MLB with 93 two-strike hits.

A year after trade talks swirled like a category one hurricane, Prado is in line for a contract extension. The arbitration figure is expected to jump from $4.75 million in 2012 to $7.75 million next season.

The Braves would like to get a deal done as Prado will be eligible for free agency after the 2013 campaign.

Freddie Freeman

Freddie Freeman proved that he is among the top first baseman is all of the majors in 2012. 

The 23-year-old batted .259 with 23 home runs and 94 RBI in 147 games this season. He battled eye and finger troubles but was an important bat in the lineup.

Freeman can hit .300 if he stays healthy for an entire season. He can drive the ball to all fields and hit 25-30 home runs a year.

He is clearly the future for the Braves as his contract runs through 2017. He will become arbitration eligible after the 2013 season.

After making $535,000 in 2012, he will see a slight increase next year and will be seeking more money in arbitration negotiations.  

Craig Kimbrel

Craig Kimbrel's 2012 season might go down as one of the best ever by a closer.

The 24-year-old led the NL for the second consecutive season with 42 saves. He also posted a 1.01 ERA, a 16.7 K/9 ratio and 8.29 K/BB ratio.

Kimbrel also fanned more than 50 percent of the hitters faced (116-of-231), and he only gave up 27 hits and three home runs all year.

He is among the best young pitchers in the game and should be considered for the Cy Young Award. Most baseball writers will vote for a starter. If a starting pitcher can win MVP like Justin Verlander did a year ago for the Tigers, a closer can win the Cy Young.

The Alabama native is under team control through 2017 and is eligible for arbitration in 2014. Before his price gets too high, Atlanta may want to consider a long-term deal that is within its price range.