Braves three-time All-Star predicted to leave if star re-signs

The Atlanta Braves, unsurprisingly, will look a little different in 2025.

Atlanta's core will remain pretty much intact. The biggest question in that respect is whether or not Max Fried will return. He will be a free agent and is expected to get paid very well this winter. Atlanta certainly could afford him, though, if it wants to continue the partnership.

If the Braves do decide to hand Fried a large deal this winter, it will make deals more difficult to give out to some other players. FanSided's John Buhler predicted that the Braves would not re-sign three-time All-Star Whit Merrifield this winter if the club is able to bring Fried back.

"For age reasons, as well as production down the stretch, I find it hard to believe that Whit Merrifield will be back with Atlanta next season," Buhler said. "I nearly included third baseman Gio Urshela on this list, but he was a more vital player for the Braves down the stretch, especially once Ozzie Albies came back. Unless Merrifield wants to be Atlanta's starting shortstop, he may not have a role with the 2025 team.

"To me, I am sure Atlanta would love to have him back as a middle infield platoon role player, but we know how Brian Snitker operates. He will start Austin Riley, Orlando Arcia (Ozzie Albies), and Matt Olson around the horn from third to first every day and twice on Sunday. Merrifield did prove to be a productive player for Atlanta after Philadelphia released him. He simply priced his way out of Atlanta."

Merrifield didn't have the season he hoped in 2024, but he was productive for the Braves. He appeared in 42 games and slashed .248/.348/.336 with one home run, four RBIs, and six stolen bases.

He was an All-Star in 2023 but wasn't able to regain that form in 2024. He will be a free agent this winter, and Buhler certainly isn't wrong. It would be surprising to see him back in Atlanta.

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