Done Deal: Atlanta Braves Strengthen Their Squad with 10 New Signings for the 2025 AFL Season

In a truly unexpected turn of events, the Atlanta Braves, one of the premier teams in Major League Baseball, have announced their entry into the Australian Football League (AFL) with a surprise acquisition of 10 new signings for the 2025 season. Yes, you read that right — the team best known for its baseball excellence is now making a bold foray into the world of Australian Rules Football, a sport that is as foreign to their usual playbook as a curveball to a batter. But what could be better than a sporting cross-over to spark the imaginations of fans across both worlds?

While the move has raised some eyebrows and generated a whirlwind of speculation, it has also captivated the public’s imagination. How will a group of professional baseball players integrate into one of the most demanding and physically intense football leagues in the world? Can the athleticism and skills honed on the diamond translate into success on the footy field?

Let’s take a deep dive into the new-look Atlanta Braves AFL squad and explore the team’s latest acquisitions.

A Brave New Era: What Prompted the Move?

The idea of an MLB team entering the AFL is certainly unconventional, but this bold decision came after the Braves’ ownership group wanted to diversify its portfolio and test the versatility of its athletes. While baseball and AFL differ dramatically in terms of gameplay, both sports share similar demands — high levels of athleticism, agility, endurance, and strategic thinking.

Braves’ general manager Alex Anthopoulos explained the decision: “We’ve always looked to innovate and challenge our players to adapt to new environments. Athletes are multi-dimensional, and we want to explore whether our players’ skills can translate to other sports.”

And so, after months of scouting, training, and working alongside AFL coaches and experts, the Braves have assembled a squad that blends their MLB pedigree with AFL’s rigorous style of play.

The 10 New Signings: How They’re Going to Change the Game

Let’s meet the 10 new players joining the Atlanta Braves AFL squad for the 2025 season. These recruits span a mix of seasoned AFL players, former MLB stars, and a few crossover athletes who are ready to make their mark in this new arena.

1. Freddie Freeman (Key Forward)

Recruited from the MLB

Freddie Freeman, the former MLB first baseman and 2020 National League MVP, is no stranger to the spotlight. A natural athlete, Freeman has always been known for his speed, power, and hand-eye coordination. These skills are essential for success as a key forward in AFL, and Freeman is excited about the new challenge. Known for his leadership, Freeman will bring both experience and poise to the forward line, as he aims to translate his batting precision into scoring goals from difficult angles.

His agility, despite being accustomed to a different sport, will allow him to quickly adjust to AFL’s high-paced nature. Braves fans are eagerly awaiting the spectacle of Freeman’s transition into a new sport and his potential to become an instant star.

2. Ronald Acuña Jr. (Midfield)

Recruited from the MLB

Already a superstar in the MLB, Ronald Acuña Jr. is known for his speed, athleticism, and explosive power. In AFL, these qualities translate perfectly into a midfield role, where pace and agility are critical. Acuña’s ability to cover ground quickly and make quick, dynamic decisions will make him a standout as he works the ball through the middle of the ground.

Acuña’s explosive bursts of speed, combined with his stamina, make him a dangerous player in AFL, as he looks to not only win the ball but also contribute offensively in fast breaks.

3. Max Fried (Fullback)

Recruited from the MLB

Max Fried, the ace pitcher for the Atlanta Braves, brings his sharp precision and strategic mindset to the fullback position. In MLB, Fried is known for his ability to read hitters and make adjustments quickly, a skill set that will prove invaluable when defending against AFL forwards.

His height and athleticism make him a formidable presence in the defensive 50, and his knack for tracking and positioning the ball will help him to shut down opposition attacks. Fried will be expected to take on the opposition’s most dangerous forwards and keep them from scoring.

4. Austin Riley (Wing)

Recruited from the MLB

Austin Riley, another star player from the Braves, transitions into AFL as a dynamic wingman. Known for his ability to cover large areas of the field and his excellent hand-eye coordination, Riley’s skill set is well-suited to the wing role in AFL. He will be instrumental in both defense and attack, able to quickly switch play and provide precise kicks into the forward line.

Riley’s impressive endurance, combined with his strong kicking ability, will help him become one of the most exciting players to watch on the field.

5. Ozzie Albies (Midfield/Forward)

Recruited from the MLB

Ozzie Albies, the talented and agile second baseman from the Braves, is an ideal candidate for the midfield-forward hybrid role in AFL. Albies’ quick reflexes, close-quarter skills, and outstanding agility will allow him to thrive in the fast-paced nature of the sport. His speed and awareness will enable him to play both offensively and defensively, providing the versatility that AFL teams require.

Albies’ ability to read the play and make sharp, accurate kicks will contribute to both ball movement and goal-scoring opportunities.

6. Mike Soroka (Defender)

Recruited from the MLB

Mike Soroka, an MLB pitcher, transitions into AFL as a solid and reliable defender. Although his past experience is in baseball, Soroka’s ability to anticipate and read the ball makes him a natural choice for the defensive role in AFL. His long reach, timing, and positioning on the field will make him difficult to beat for any forward.

The Braves are banking on Soroka’s defensive instincts to be a key part of their AFL backline, where he will be tasked with stopping opposition attackers and helping to transition the ball into the midfield.

7. Dansby Swanson (Half-Back Flank)

Recruited from the MLB

Dansby Swanson, known for his quick reflexes and exceptional baseball IQ, makes the leap to AFL as a half-back flanker. A key part of the Braves’ infield defense, Swanson’s ability to react quickly and handle pressure will make him a standout in the AFL. His task will be to intercept opposition attacks and contribute to the team’s offensive drive from the back half.

Swanson’s composure under pressure will be crucial as the Braves transition the ball from their defensive zone into scoring opportunities.

8. Bryce Harper (Full Forward)

Recruited from the MLB

Bryce Harper, one of the most feared hitters in MLB, brings his power and presence to the full forward position in AFL. With his ability to perform under pressure and his physical prowess, Harper will add a dominant force to the Braves’ forward line. His strength, agility, and ability to contest aerial marks will give the Braves a strong target in the forward 50.

Harper’s transition to AFL is sure to be one of the most talked-about stories of the year.

9. Charlie Morton (Ruckman)

Recruited from the MLB

Charlie Morton, another seasoned MLB player, enters AFL as a ruckman. With his height, athleticism, and exceptional jumping ability, Morton will be tasked with winning ruck contests and helping his team gain control of the midfield. His understanding of timing and positioning from his years as a pitcher will lend itself well to the ruck role, where precise timing and execution are critical.

10. Travis d’Arnaud (Interchange)

Recruited from the MLB

Travis d’Arnaud, a reliable and versatile MLB player, takes on a role as an interchange player for the Braves in the AFL. His experience in handling various roles within baseball will make him a valuable asset as an impact player off the bench, ready to come on and change the course of the game with his agility and decision-making skills.

What’s Next for the Atlanta Braves in the AFL?

The Braves’ entry into the AFL is one of the most unique crossovers in sports history, blending the worlds of baseball and Australian football. The new-look squad is a fascinating mix of athleticism, power, and versatility, with the potential to turn heads in the AFL.

While the learning curve may be steep for some of the baseball stars transitioning to AFL, the blend of experience and raw talent makes this a storyline to watch in 2025. Whether they win the championship in their first season or take a few years to adjust, one thing is certain: the Atlanta Braves’ foray into AFL will be an exciting experiment with the potential to change the landscape of both sports.