While the playoffs are still going on, the Atlanta Braves can do little officially to start executing their 2027 roster plans. There is a small chance extensions to current players could be signed, but they are relatively rare this close to free agency, and the Braves obviously can't sign or trade for anyone until we have a World Series champion (no matter how much some fans yell for it to happen anyway).
This particular offseason has different stakes than usual. Odds are extremely high that MLB will enter a lockout at the beginning of December, and many experts expect a flurry of signings and trades in the month before the work stoppage begins.
In theory, that means the Braves will have to strike the iron while it is hot and be very aggressive early on in the offseason to get the quality of players that they want and need. The list of needs for this roster is not short, but the first move they absolutely need to make is to re-sign Tyler Mahle.
Tyler Mahle joined the Braves at the trade deadline and made a strong impact in the second half. After starting tonight’s season-ending loss, Mahle reflected on his time in Atlanta and what makes the organization special.#BravesCountry #MLB pic.twitter.com/dt9VIxeZqv
— RowdySports.TV (@RowdySports_TV) October 8, 2026
The Braves absolutely cannot afford to let Tyler Mahle get too deep into free agency
Looking at this past trade deadline, which was one of the worst in recent memory in terms of actual impact on the playoff chase, the Braves' trade for Mahle stands out as a resounding success. Mahle was not only great in the playoffs, but he was also stellar in the regular season after the trade, with a 1.99 ERA across 54.1 innings in his nine starts after the deadline.
It doesn't take an expert to see that the Braves need rotation depth, especially without Mahle in the fold. The 32-year-old veteran will be a free agent this offseason, but he has already expressed an interest in returning to the Braves. Importantly, the Braves cannot give Mahle a qualifying offer, as he was traded this season and is therefore ineligible. Atlanta needs pitching, and Mahle is a very solid (and probably not cost-prohibitive) rotation arm. The Braves shouldn't overthink this one.
One potential hiccup in the Braves’ pursuit is Mahle's likely price tag, which almost certainly went up with his performance in Atlanta. Previously, Mahle was probably looking at receiving a one-year deal with maybe an option for a second year. Now, it wouldn't be shocking to see him get offered two- or three-year deals that have an option tacked on after that. That should not be a deal-breaker for the Braves, however. The need for rotation depth is too great, especially with so many unresolved injury issues on their pitching staff.
Mahle has his own injury history, as shoulder and elbow issues have plagued him in recent years, so the Braves cannot simply enter a bidding war for Mahle with reckless abandon. That said, Alex Anthopoulos shouldn't be afraid to be bold, because acting quickly could make or break the entire offseason this time.
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