Just like that, the Atlanta Braves' 2026 season has ended in deeply upsetting fashion. Now that the playoffs are over, the rational pivot is to shift one’s attention to what the offseason will bring. However, before we can think much about potential free agents and trades, as well as the impending lockout, one has to first figure out which players the Braves stand to lose and, among that group, who they should bother trying to keep.
For most teams, this is mostly a free agency quest. Option decisions do factor in, but most pending free agents are pretty garden-variety situations where a player’s contract just comes to an end. However, not only do the Braves have some option decisions to make, but they also have arbitration-eligible players to decide whether or not they want to keep them around.. On top of that, the Braves have at least one player (spoilers) who is under contract for 2027, but who Atlanta should definitely send packing anyway.
These are the Braves players that won't be back for the 2027 season (probably)
There are no certainties here. Some decisions are straightforward, but some forced choices between players do exist, as well as some tougher reunion decisions. For example, Tyler Mahle and Raisel Iglesias are pending free agents, but we're betting that Atlanta finds a way to keep them (even if that is wishful thinking). Some of these players will at least be under consideration to return, but this feels like a good starting point.
Jurickson Profar
Few people realistically think the Braves should let Jurickson Profar take the field while wearing their uniform again. One PED suspension is bad enough, but some people could at least talk themselves into thinking it was a momentary lapse in judgment or trusting the wrong doctor/trainer. A second PED suspension is completely disqualifying. It makes a player radioactive, and with good reason.
We may not get official notification for a while, as the Braves will try to trade Profar to get out from under at least part of his contract. Unfortunately, every other team probably already knows they could wait for Profar's release if they wanted to take that gamble for far cheaper. They are probably right.
Ha-Seong Kim
This is a no-brainer. Ha-Seong Kim was actually more valuable to the Braves while he was on the injured list this year, as he was only worth a brutal -0.8 rWAR total in the 51 games he did play. Atlanta really needs a shortstop, to be sure, but Kim is not that guy. He will head into free agency in desperate need of an opportunity to prove himself after a (hopefully) normal offseason. Unless something wild happens, that opportunity won't come with the Braves.
Dominic Smith
It remains unfortunate that the Braves felt as though they needed to carry Dominic Smith on their playoff roster, because he hadn't been particularly worthy of a roster spot in the regular season since May. Smith does seem to be a great clubhouse presence, but that isn't enough to keep him around. He can't really hit and has no defensive value. In short, the case for the Braves to keep him at this stage of his career is basically nonexistent.
Kyle Farmer
If Kyle Farmer wasn't good enough to make the postseason roster when carrying an emergency catcher made sense, he isn't good enough to keep next season. Perhaps if he wants to return on a minor league deal, the Braves can stash him at Triple-A for a rainy day. However, the Braves can probably do a lot better if they want a versatile bench infielder to carry with them.
Mauricio Dubon
Mauricio Dubon's fate feels uncertain, and it may come down to just how much he wants to get paid and for how long. While he cooled off significantly after a hot start, Dubon was still invaluable for his versatility, especially when Kim was out. There is wisdom to the Braves bringing Dubon back for a year or two in order to have coverage at shortstop, especially given the other shortstops available to them in the short term. However, at 32 years old, it feels more likely he will take a longer-term deal with more guaranteed money, and that offer would likely come from somewhere else.
Rowdy Tellez
You can basically copy and paste the Dom Smith section here, but even more so with Rowdy Tellez. Smith can at least play first base a bit, but Tellez is purely a lefty bat who was all but out of the league coming into the 2026 season. Tellez’s level of raw power from the left side of the plate will at least get him a spring training invite next season, but don't expect it to be with the Braves.
Joe Jimenez
A slim chance exists that the Braves will show Joe Jimenez some loyalty and offer him a one-year deal to prove he can return. If that happens, Jimenez should absolutely take it. The problem is that he hasn't pitched at all in the big leagues in two years and is coming off what appeared to be a career-ending knee injury. That there is any chance at all he could pitch again in the majors is wild, but the Braves aren't in a place where they can guarantee Jimenez a bullpen spot given his recent track record, so expect him to move on.
Martin Perez
That Martin Perez was as valuable to the Braves in 2026 as he was is a minor miracle. When injuries beset the Braves rotation AGAIN this season, Perez stepped up and gave Atlanta what they needed most: innings that gave them a chance to win, and a bunch of them. However, Perez's back injury was a sobering reminder that he is fighting a losing battle against Father Time, and his stuff isn't exactly foreboding. It wouldn't be crazy to see the Braves give Perez a shot in camp again, but Perez will probably get a more lucrative offer from a team more desperate than Atlanta is.
Lane Thomas
The Braves traded for Lane Thomas to give their unfortunate left-field situation a fighting chance against lefties. Instead, Thomas hasn't done much at all since the trade and finished the regular season on the injured list. It would be one thing if he had done the job the Braves needed when they acquired him. Unfortunately, he didn't, and the Braves are likely to move on.
Joey Wentz
You are forgiven if you forgot Joey Wentz was still in the organization, as he missed the entire season with a torn ACL. Wentz is entering his second year of arbitration, which, in theory, shouldn't be too expensive. However, coming off a major injury when Wentz wasn't particularly good before his injury makes the lefty a prime non-tender candidate.
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