MLB Free Agency: 5 Reasons Atlanta Braves Should Target Carlos Quentin

After a late season collapse the Braves are trying to figure out what their team is missing. Frank Wren will have to be creative for a team that is set at most positions. 

Atlanta isn’t in on the bidding for any of the high priced free agents and don’t expect them to be. 

The Braves would love to add a big outfield bat though. So, let’s look at five reasons the Braves should target Carlos Quentin. 

Availability

It’s no secret that the White Sox are looking to trade Quentin and will most likely do so before the 2012 season.

The fact that this is well known means the White Sox don’t have leverage, and since he’s in his last year he should  come for a relatively cheap price. 

Fills a Need

The Braves have been looking to add a big right-handed bat for a while. Dan Uggla was supposed to be that guy last year but got off to a terrible start.

Quentin’s OPS of .839 was higher than any Braves player last season. Only Brian McCann and Chipper Jones were over .800. 

Outfield Production

The Braves’ outfield has ranked among the worst offensive units in the league for a couple of years.

Jason Heyward was pedestrian at best last season and Martin Prado struggled as well, in part due to a position change and a staph infection.

Quentin could replace Prado in left field or back up both corner outfield spots. Something has to give in the Braves outfield. 

Have the Pieces

The Braves have the pieces to easily execute a trade for a big bat like Quentin. The Braves have the option of potentially trading Martin Prado or one of the many prospects that make up the Braves loaded farm system.

Atlanta likely wouldn’t give up one of its top pitching prospects though, unless they intended to resign Quentin. 

Affordable

There aren’t many players with the ability of Quentin who come as cheap. Quentin signed a one year deal for a little over $5 million to stay with the White Sox.

That is certainly in the Braves’ price range and they wouldn’t be forced to commit long term.