Braves three-time All-Star predicted to leave Atlanta in free agency

The Atlanta Braves could lose some important pieces this winter.

The 2024 Major League Baseball regular season is just a few weeks away from ending. The Braves still are in the mix for a National League Wild Card spot but things haven't gone their way lately. If the season were to end today, the Braves wouldn't be in the playoffs.

No matter what happens down the stretch, the Braves are expected to be much better in 2025 as they get healthier. With that being said, some players could end up leaving the club with spots closing up due to better health. One player who has been suggested as someone who could leave is All-Star utility man Whit Merrifield by FanSided's Zach Pressnell .

"Whit Merrifield began the season with the Phillies, but as Philadelphia pushed for the postseason and a division title, they decided they didn't need Merrifield's services anymore," Pressnell said. "And who can blame them? The utility man slashed .199/.277/.295 with 8 extra-base hits in nearly 200 at-bats while in a Phillies uniform. Atlanta swooped in and picked him up to help their postseason push this year.

"Merrifield is slashing much better in Atlanta, holding a slash line of .243/.359/.342 so far. He has a team option of $8 million on his contract for next season. While he's been useful for the Braves this year, he won't be worth $8 million next year. The Braves would likely replace him with a bigger and better name in the free agency market. Infielder Nacho Alvarez Jr. is expected to be in the big leagues for good starting in 2025."

Merrifield has been solid for the Braves since joining the club. He has provided some necessary depth as injuries have piled up. His days may be numbered in Atlanta, though.

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