It's been a busy offseason for the Atlanta Braves already, with a massive coaching overhaul highlighting the pre-winter. However, there is a lot of work still left to be done to be prepared for 2026. Players returning from injuries will have an effect on these decisions as well.
Fans are already anxious after a disastrous 2025 season. Hopefully, the team can ease that anxiety with some great additions. Let's take a look at some recent news coming out of Atlanta.
Braves News: Alex Anthopoulos reveals focus for extremely important offseason
The Braves have found themselves in the position of filling their bullpen in the offseason. General manager Alex Anthopoulos was asked this week whether the focus had changed. Anthopoulos stated, "I would say starting pitcher and shortstop are what we’re spending the most time on right now.”
Atlanta has been linked to top free agents Bo Bichette and Dylan Cease. Shortstop feels like their main priority, whether they sign a free agent or entertain a trade. Starting pitching was a huge struggle last season, as all of the injuries unfolded, so it's good to see the team make that a priority as well. Hopefully, this focus doesn't hurt them when it comes to finding relievers.
Braves News: Encouraging Spencer Schwellenbach update provides a glimmer of hope
It was heartbreaking to see Spencer Schwellenbach's season end with an elbow injury. That turned out to be the theme for most of Atlanta's rotation in 2025. Luckily, it seems the healing process has been going well for the right-hander.
Spencer Schwellenbach is pain-free now, Alex Anthopoulos said today.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 11, 2025
Very good news for the Braves.
MLB insider Jon Morosi reported from the GM meetings that Schwellenbach is now pain-free. This is very encouraging for the Braves. There's no timetable for his return yet, so this won't change Atlanta's plans to find a starter in free agency. But it's good to know things are healing well, and we could see him back at some point in 2026.
Braves News: Sean Murphy's rehab process still undetermined
Sean Murphy recently revealed that he'd dealt with a hip tear during his entire time with the Braves. He finally received surgery on that hip towards the end of the season. Alex Anthopoulos reported the team would have a better idea of his rehab process in January.
Anthopoulos said #Braves will have a better idea about Murphy’s rehab in January, but they plan on him playing and sharing (in some ratio) at-bats with Baldwin at catcher/DH, unless they decide to add a DH.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) November 12, 2025
(If Murphy is expected back early, I don’t think they add a big DH)
His timeline to return will be a big deal for the Braves. Marcell Ozuna hit free agency, and they'll need to consider how to replace the DH spot. Braves insider David O'Brien pointed out that the team plans on Murphy sharing time with Baldwin between catcher and DH. However, this shouldn't be the totality of the plan, unless they are unable to fill Ozuna's void for some reason.