KC Royals: Making the case, Atlanta Braves free agents

The Braves have big names hitting the free agent market.  Can the KC Royals afford any and if so, should they pursue them?

Welcome back to Kings of Kauffman’s continuing series analyzing the major league free agent market and projecting who might, or might not, fit the KC Royals’ needs. Today we take a look at the Atlanta Braves’ free agents. 

The Braves have come back nicely from their lean years of 2014-2017 – roughly the same period the Royals were playing their best ball since the 1980s.  Atlanta has now reeled off three straight division titles, being bumped twice in the National League Divisional Series.

This year “Hotlanta” made it to the Championship Series and had leads of two games to none and three games to one against the Dodgers.  Los Angeles came roaring back to win the pennant on their way to their first World Series trophy since 1988.

Atlanta accomplished this with a modest payroll prorated to $63.6 million, just above the league average.  That was only the 16th highest in the majors so if they choose they could dish out money on new players or on keeping those who have reached free agency.

With the team accomplishments, it would be likely that good players from the Braves would be hitting the market.  There are, in fact, 10 free agents that will be shopping their services to other clubs.  Many are household names with several years of quality performances and others could be good role players on the right team.

We will explore who the players are and if they would be a good fit for the KC Royals.  Of course, the main question that is always hanging over the franchise is how much will they spend.