The Daily Chop: Braves exit meetings with work to do

The Winter Meetings ended as they began with the Atlanta Braves still looking for a power option for the middle of their lineup. The situation however, is a little more in focus now that several notable big name free agents have come off the board. Josh Donaldson is the biggest name left on the board and rumors persist that he has offers in the three to four year range. It remains to be seen whether or not the Braves are comfortable with that long of a commitment.

If they are not then a pivot to a trade seems likely. Kris Bryant is someone that is thought to be available and would seemingly check all of the boxes for the Braves. They could also elect to look to fill their power need at a different position but despite reports of their interest in Marcell Ozuna, that seems like a plan “B” at best at this point.

More Braves News

MLB.com’s Mark Bowman takes a closer look at the Braves’ most pressing needs after the conclusion of the Winter Meetings.

The Athletic’s Jeff Schultz spoke with Braves legend Dale Murphy following his latest Hall of Fame snub.

Hot Stove

The Boston Red Sox have an agreement with free agent infielder Jose Peraza on a one-year, $3 million deal. Peraza could fill the Red Sox’s hole at second base.

As expected, the New York Yankees are bringing back outfielder Brett Gardner on a one-year, $12.5 million deal. The deal also includes a $10 million club option for 2021 that includes a $2.5 million buyout.

The New Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets are the three teams that are reportedly chasing Brewers reliever Josh Hader.

The Mets also struck a deal with right-hander Rick Porcello on Thursday. The deal is reportedly for one-year and worth $10 million.

Former Yankees catcher Austin Romine is headed to Detroit after agreeing to a one-year, $4 million contract with the Tigers.