The Atlanta Braves have been steadily working on building their roster for the 2026 season. Fans have high expectations for the offseason after a rough showing in 2025. So far, Atlanta has done a great job at addressing a few of their core needs. There is still work left to do, but things are headed in the right direction.
Atlanta has largely done this offseason what they always do. There have certainly been a lot of smaller moves in order to unearth the diamonds in the rough that Alex Anethopoulos is known to covet and uncover. A couple of moves made by the Braves have been excellent. However, not every decision can be positive.
Here are 2 Braves offseason decisions that already look genius, 2 that look terrible
Braves bolstered the backend of their bullpen with Robert Suarez and Raisel Iglesias
One of the main areas of improvement needed this offseason is the bullpen. 2025 wasn't the best year for their relief core, as Atlanta's bullpen ranked 19th in ERA last season after being the third-best bullpen in 2024.
The Braves have made sure to address this promptly. They brought back closer Raisel Iglesias on a one-year, $16 million contract. Atlanta surprised everyone by also agreeing to terms with flamethrowing closer Robert Suarez on a three-year, $45 million contract. He will be their setup man and provide the team with an incredible 1-2 punch.
Improved infield depth after trade for super utilityman Mauricio Dubon
Shortstop is the one area the Braves could use an upgrade offensively. Nick Allen was excellent in 2025 defensively, but he swung a toothpick at the plate. Atlanta shipped Allen off to the Astros in exchange for Gold Glove infielder Mauricio Dubon. Dubon is a tad better offensively than Allen. However, the Braves would love to be able to use him solely in a utility role. Walt Weiss and Alex Anthopoulos stated they'd be fine with him as their everyday shortstop, but fans are hopeful the team will find someone else for that role.
Atlanta let go of relievers Tyler Kinley and Pierce Johnson and that wasn't great
As mentioned above, improving the bullpen is very important this offseason. That's why it shocked everyone when Atlanta decided to decline their options on relievers Tyler Kinley and Pierce Johnson. The Braves opened up $12.5 million in payroll by declining their options. However, both arms were good for the bullpen and were rather affordable. It's strange not to keep at least one of them to help strengthen their relief core. There's still time to make this a moot point, but it's certainly a head scratcher at the moment.
Not bringing back Ron Washington in a coaching role feels bad
Atlanta had a few coaching changes this offseason after announcing Walt Weiss as their manager. They lured a couple of former Mets coaches to fill important roles on the coaching staff. However, there is one person fans would have loved to see return, and that's Ron Washington. He is beloved by Braves fans and helped make Atlanta's infield one of the best in baseball when he served as third base coach. Unfortunately, he won't be a part of the staff in 2026 as he agreed to serve as an infield coach for the Giants.