A recent MLB rumor suggests that a notable National League power hitter might be a key target for the Atlanta Braves in free agency this offseason.

The Braves’ 2024 season didn’t go as planned. They started the year with high hopes as a World Series contender but were hampered by season-ending injuries to stars Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider. Despite these setbacks, the team managed to secure a Wild Card spot after a hard-fought season.

Predictably, Atlanta couldn’t overcome the San Diego Padres in their three-game series. With the offseason now in focus, the Braves will aim to strengthen their roster for 2025. They face significant decisions regarding their pitching staff, as Max Fried will be a free agent, and veteran Charlie Morton might consider retirement.

If Atlanta’s pitching staff weakens next year, they could look to compensate by adding more firepower to their lineup once Acuña Jr. returns. On Saturday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post speculated on what could be a competitive market for Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Willy Adames.

Atlanta Braves eyeing Willy Adames in free agency

Heyman reported that the Braves are one of the teams that have previously shown interest in the 29-year-old Adames and are expected to pursue him in free agency this winter.

While Adames hasn’t been named an All-Star in his seven-year MLB career, he’s developed into one of the top power-hitting infielders over the last three seasons, hitting over 30 home runs twice and reaching a career-high 32 this season. He also drove in a career-best 112 RBIs for the NL Central champion Brewers this year.

Heyman also mentioned that the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants are likely to be strong contenders for Adames’s services in the upcoming free agency.