Jason Burgos
A new rumor offers up an intriguing option for the Atlanta Braves to fill their current need at the designated hitter position.
The 2026 MLB season is finally underway, and there are high hopes for the Braves. They have a good starting rotation despite the injuries to a pair of their key young arms, a legit closer in Robert Suarez, and a solid lineup led by the face of the franchise, Ronald Acuna, Jr.
However, that lineup took a notable hit before the season started when Jurickson Profar tested positive for a banned substance and could miss the entire season to serve a second suspension in two years. It put the Braves in a tough spot.
They would like to add more thump to the lineup, but they are still contemplating the idea of adding a veteran arm to the rotation to make up for the injuries to Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep. However, if they choose to spend on replacing Profar, an unexpected but intriguing option seems to be available.
On Wednesday, MLB insider Mike Rodriguez reported that “MLB teams are actively evaluating a return for Franmil Reyes, with a deal in the $30–40M range over 3–4 years in play.” Reyes is a six-year MLB veteran who has played for four different teams. He has not played in the big leagues since 2023.
Franmil Reyes’ Japanese turnaround
However, he has become a star in the Japanese Pacific League while playing for the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters. In 2024, he slugged 29 homers and 74 RBIs. Last year, he continued his big hitting by tallying 32 home runs, 90 RBIs, and 62 runs.
During his years in MLB, he often flashed his power and posted 30 homers for the Cleveland Guardians in 2021. However, his ability to get on base outside of HRs declined in a major way, which is why the Dominican washed out of the league three years ago. However, he had a good .277/.347/.515/.861 slash line for the Fighters last season.
The fact that he could land a deal worth $10 million a season after being out of the league the last two years shows scouts believe in what he did in Japan. He could be an interesting option for the Braves if they are among the teams that have checked in about his availability.
