The Atlanta Braves have made it a habit of bringing back former players. Whether it's former World Series heroes at the trade deadline or re-signing former role players over and over and over again, seeing a fan favorite re-don the A is not unusual.
This offseason, there are several former Braves who are set to hit the free agency who would fit perfectly with the 2027 club.
4 former Braves players who would be worth reuniting with
A.J. Minter
A.J. Minter almost certainly found his tenure with the New York Mets disappointing. Although the lefty was excellent when he was on the mound, a lat strain knocked him out for over a year. By the time he returned to New York, their collapse was already in full swing. His performance with the rival Mets did stand out enough for the Minnesota Twins to go after him at the deadline, and while his new team also disappointed, he, for the most part did not, as he had a 2.78 ERA in 22.2 innings.
Minter made $22 million over his two-year deal, and had a 2.38 ERA and 3.97 FIP in 56.2 innings in the two years. With his injury history and his age, it's doubtful he'll be able to receive a contract with as much, whichy could be right in Alex Anthopoulos's wheelhouse.
Although the Braves bullpen was a strength overall this season, Didier Fuentes's potential move to the rotation, Raisel Iglesias's impending free agency, Robert Suarez's health, and Dylan Lee's performance down the stretch should have the Braves eager to add at least one more high-leverage arm.
Michael Soroka
Although Michael Soroka and the Arizona Diamondbacks have a $10 million mutual option for 2027, it would be surprising if Soroka took the DBacks up on it. Additionally, the last time a mutual option was picked up was back in 2015.
Soroka might be a pricy and risky acquisition, but the former Braves All-Star and rookie standout had his best season as a starter since 2019. The 29-year-old threw 116 innings, just the second time in his career with more than 100 innings, while having a 3.41 ERA and 3.19 FIP. With the question marks surrounding the Braves rotation, adding Soroka on a multi-year deal could provide the middle of their rotation with much needed depth and a lot of upside.
Sean Newcomb
It might be surprising to some longtime Braves fans that Sean Newcomb is still even in the major leagues. However, over the last few years, he's cut out a nice role for himself a lefty middle reliever.
This past season might have been one of his best yet, as he threw 90.1 innings with a 3.09 ERA and 3.21 FIP. Newcomb only made $4.5 million this season, and would likely require a bit of a raise in free agency for the team who ultimately wins the bidding, but the former top prospect has had back-to-back years of success as a multi-inning reliever, and would help bolster a competitive bullpen.
Chadwick Tromp
Not every reunion needs be a big splash, or even a big league signing. Chadwick Tromp has already reunited with the Braves once after moving onto another team, and it wouldn't be shocking if he does takes a minor league deal before spring training.
Even with Drake Baldwin taking the bulk of the innings behind the plate, and with Sean Murphy locked in as a backup thanks to their being two more years left on his deal, 2026 showed that the Braves can never have too much catching, as they used a franchise-high eight catchers this past season.
With Tromp once again destined for free agency, it would be a no-brainer to bring him back to have some depth at the position.
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