Atlanta Braves fans, brace yourselves: the team isn’t wasting any time reshaping the roster this offseason. A flurry of moves, starting with a one-year deal for closer Raisel Iglesias, signals a clear intent to return to contention, especially while maximizing the remaining years of Ronald Acuna jr.’s contract.
bullpen Bolstered, Offence Tweaked
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The Braves have already made significant additions to both their pitching staff adn lineup.
Iglesias’s return is complemented by the addition of veteran flamethrower Robert Suarez on a three-year contract. The offensive side saw Mike Yastrzemski brought in to add outfield depth following Marcell Ozuna’s departure. Ha-Seong Kim re-signed to solidify his role as the everyday shortstop in 2026, and Mauricio Dubon provides valuable utility depth.
A Rotation Riddled with Risk
despite the improvements elsewhere, the biggest question mark for atlanta remains the starting rotation. Coming off a 76-86 season, the team knows it needs more consistency from its pitchers, even with established stars like Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Spencer Schwellenbach, and Reynaldo Lopez on the roster.
Unfortunately, health issues plagued the rotation last year. Lopez managed only one start, while Schwellenbach and Sale combined for a mere 37. Strider, returning from UCL surgery, posted a below-average 4.45 ERA with a 24.3% strikeout rate – a significant dip from his usual performance. The team was forced to lean on pitchers like Bryce Elder, Grant Holmes, and Joey Wentz to fill the gaps.
The Waldrep Factor and Payroll Concerns
the Braves have a potential internal solution in right-hander Hurston Waldrep, who showed promise in ten appearances in 2025, posting a 2.88 ERA across 56 1/3 innings. However, the team’s current projected $256 million luxury tax payroll, according to RosterResource, presents a challenge. That’s a $40 million jump from last year, though $20 million less than 2024.
If the Braves are willing to approach 2024’s spending levels, adding a starter like Lucas Giolito could be feasible. Otherwise, a trade might be necessary, potentially requiring the team to part with young talent like Waldrep or infielder nacho Alvarez Jr. Lower-tier options like Jose quintana and Zack Littell are also possibilities,but their impact remains uncertain.
The team’s fortunes may hinge on whether they can find a reliable starter to complement their existing talent, or if Waldrep can seize the possibility to become a key part of the rotation. The coming months will be crucial as Atlanta looks to build a contender capable of returning
