Much of the Atlanta Braves roster is under contract beyond the 2026 season thanks to several early extensions handed out to their core players. Still, more than a few key players are set to hit free agency at season's end, and Alex Anthopoulos has some important decisions to make.
For some pending free agents, it is probably a good idea to gauge the possibility of an extension; for others, it seems wise to let their time in Atlanta come to a close. Let's take a look at which individuals Anthopoulos should pursue an extension with, and which he should feel comfortable letting walk out the door.
2 pending free agents the Braves need to bring back in 2027
Raisel Iglesias
Atlanta's closer was an All-Star for the first time in his 12-year career this season, and looks as effective as ever. Despite a recent rough patch, Iglesias' season numbers still look strong. In 42 games this season, Iglesias has a 2.95 ERA, 2.97 FIP, and 24 saves.
Iglesias will pitch in 2027 at age 37, so any contract extension should be limited to next year only. Anthopoulos has shown a willingness to spend on the bullpen, so keeping Raisel Iglesias around a little longer very much feels on the table.
Mauricio Dubon
An under-the-radar offseason trade brought utility man Mauricio Dubon to Atlanta, and it couldn't have panned out any better. Braves fans have quickly learned why Dubon is such a valuable player, as the former Astro has posted a 2.0 fWAR in 112 games played this season.
Dubon has played all across the diamond for Atlanta, and his versatility has given Walt Weiss great flexibility when filling out his lineup card every night. Additionally, it is easy to see how beloved Dubon is in the clubhouse, and keeping that type of clutch, versatile, glue-guy around should be a no-brainer for Anthopoulos.
What a catch!👀#BravesCountry pic.twitter.com/fn2axIPjR0
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) August 8, 2026
2 players the Braves need to let walk after the 2026 season
Ha-Seong Kim
No real explanation needed here, the $20 million investment in Ha-Seong Kim simply has not worked out in 2026. The Braves have long had a shortstop problem, and Anthopoulos hoped to solve that with a prove-it deal for Kim. Sadly, it has been a season of frustration for Kim, eventually losing reps to Jim Jarvis at shortstop.
Kim has just five hits in 75 at-bats on the season, and there has been no shortage of ugly swings. The Braves' shortstop problem has yet to be solved, but it is safe to say Anthopoulos will not be rolling the dice on Ha-Seong Kim again once the 2027 season gets underway.
Joe Jimenez
Initially, the Joe Jimenez contract seemed to be money well spent. The burly right-handed pitcher was one of Atlanta's best relievers in 2024, but the following offseason a problematic knee injury began Jimenez's downfall.
After missing all of 2025 recovering from ACL surgery, Braves fans were hopeful the hard-throwing righty could return this year. Sadly, further rehab was needed for Jimenez, and now we approach mid-August without any positive signs of a Jimenez return. Because of the medical complications with Jimenez, it's probably best for Atlanta to move forward with a bullpen minus Joe Jimenez.
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