The Atlanta Braves have a lot to do this offseason to give them a fair chance at returning to the playoffs. So far, they've decided on a new manager and coaches, as well as exercising options on players.
Almost every player with an option felt like an easy decision to bring back in 2026. Chris Sale was a no-brainer with how well he's pitched for the Braves. Ozzie Albies was a slight risk with his injury struggles, but he still has an affordable contract worth taking a chance on.
Unfortunately for reliever Tyler Kinley, the Braves decided to decline his club option. Kinley was slated to be paid $5.5 million in 2026. He will receive $750,000 to buy out his contract and see how he fares in free agency.
Shortly after learning Kinley's option was declined, Jon Heyman announced Atlanta declined Pierce Johnson's $7 million club option. He will receive a $250,000 buyout and become a free agent.
Can confirm the Braves have declined Pierce Johnson’s $7M option and Tyler Kinley’s $5.5M option. Both relievers are now free agents. @JonHeyman was first with the news
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) November 6, 2025
Braves simply have to be cooking up something behind the scenes are declining options on Pierce Johnson and Tyler Kinley
It's shocking the Braves didn't pick up either of their contracts for next season. Kinley pitched really well after being acquired from Colorado last summer. The righty pitched to a 3.96 ERA over 72.2 innings with 33 walks and 73 strikeouts.
Kinley's ERA with Atlanta was an impressive 0.72 over 25 innings with just six walks and 22 strikeouts. There's still a chance he could return next season, but on a more favorable contract. Either that or Atlanta feels like it can find an even better option on the market.
Johnson was very good again in 2025 with a 3.05 ERA over 59 innings with 19 walks and 59 strikeouts. But some of his peripherals were down a bit compared to the last two years. That probably influenced Atlanta's decision to move on and again, we could see him return on a lesser contract.
Kinley and Johnson felt like potential fits for the backend of the bullpen with Raisel Iglesias hitting free agency. One doubts these move has anything to do with not being able to afford their salaries, and more to do with wanting to ponder the options that will be available.
Things are about to get very interesting for the Braves as free agency officially opens at 5 p.m. EST on Thursday.