Cleveland Indians: 5 most likely landing spots for Michael Brantley

Atlanta Braves

Atlanta will contend for the postseason the next few years and Brantley’s addition would do wonders to shoring up the Braves’ outfield.

The Braves have “serious interest” in Brantley, but have yet to actually make an offer, according to MLB.com.

Atlanta has Ender Inciarte playing Gold Glove caliber defense in center, while left fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. is one of the brightest stars in the game. The outfield has a vacancy though, thanks to the free agency of Nick Markakis.

Acuna would probably move to left field should Brantley make his new home in Atlanta.

Atlanta also traded for Adam Duvall during the final months of the 2018 season, but Brantley would certainly be an upgrade over the former Cincinnati Red.

Brantley could be in store for a three-year, $45 million contract, according to Fancred writer Jon Heyman’s forecast.

If Brantley were to get $15 million per season, he’d be the second highest paid player on the Braves, behind only Freddie Freeman, who is due $21 million next season.

If Brantley decides to count his money elsewhere, it wouldn’t be all that surprising to see the Braves bring back Markakis on a short-term contract.

If Brantley wants to get paid, and win, Atlanta may be his best option.

Atlanta carried the expectation that they have a ton of stellar, young talent in to the 2018 season, and they probably arrived a little easier than anyone expected by winning the NL East.

With a player like Acuana, who’s yet to hit his ceiling, the Braves could be dangerous in future postseasons.