While the Atlanta Braves have what was a brutal NLDS loss to the Dodgers (who else would it be?) at the forefront of their minds, Atlanta's front office has some important offseason decisions to ponder. With the offense being largely non-existent from the postseason right now, that will be an area to focus on improving. Pitching isn't far behind on that list. There are a few players who fit both of these bills and will be up for arbitration in 2027.
The problem is, most of them probably deserve to be non-tendered at this point. Before we discuss who and why, let's see the players eligible for arbitration during the looming offseason.
Here are the six arbitration-eligible Braves players who need to be nontendered in the offseason
The Braves players eligible for arbitration in 2027 with their projected salaries courtesy of the fine folks at MLB Trade Rumors:
- Dylan Lee: $4.2 million
- Bryce Elder: $4 million
- James Karinchak: $1.1 million
- Michael Grove: $1 million
- Joey Wentz (3.166): $900,000
- Luke Williams (3.070): $900,000
There are a couple of mainstays on this list in Lee and Elder. Lee has largely been one of Atlanta's best high-leverage options over the last couple of years. However, 2026 has shown that magic may be wearing off. Lee fell off hard in the second half of the 2026 season. He had a 6.00 ERA over 24 innings and an opponent's average of .287, versus his impressive 1.47 ERA over 43 innings (.143 opponent's average) in the first half.
It may be time to move on from the lefty and find a better option. Follow that up with Elder, who was once again a very inconsistent starter for the Braves. Some days he was incredible, but most days he put the team in a hole early.
Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos cannot believe Elder deserves another shot after this season. It isn't going to get any better. To be fair, he would be a fine fifth starter option, but there's just not a lot of value beyond that. Atlanta has to improve their rotation next season.
Karinchak looked decent in his few opportunities in the bullpen this season. However, he was never available on back-to-back days. That was also happening when he pitched in the minor leagues. He clearly cannot be effective without multiple days of rest. That's not helpful for the Braves, so they may as well move on.
Braves fans likely don't know Grove very well, as he was claimed off waivers from Tampa Bay. The right-handed pitcher hasn't appeared in an MLB game since 2024 with the Dodgers, and his 1.2 innings pitched with the Stripers didn't go well, with a 10.80 ERA, one walk, and three strikeouts. However, it's a small sample size. Grove had a 3.68 ERA over 36.2 innings in 2026 with 15 walks and 46 strikeouts. Atlanta will likely bring him back, but he's also an easy non-tender candidate.
Grove had a 3.68 ERA over 36.2 innings in 2026 with 15 walks and 46 strikeouts. Atlanta will likely bring him back because he is dirt cheap, but he's also a potential non-tender candidate if they don't see any value in keeping him around.
Lastly, we talk about Joey Wentz and Luke Williams. Wentz was supposed to be in the rotation in 2026, but he missed the entire season with an ACL tear. He wouldn't be available until probably the Summer of 2027. Williams is a depth option and nothing more. The Braves could hold on to him for that reason specifically.
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