The Atlanta Braves have consistently ranked among baseball’s highest-spending organizations during the Alex Anthopoulos era. While their payroll does not approach the levels of the Los Angeles Dodgers or New York Mets, Atlanta’s 2026 luxury tax payroll currently sits at $250,090,457, according to Spotrac. That figure ranks eighth-highest in Major League Baseball.
Because Atlanta has locked up so many of its core players to long-term contracts, the club’s projected 2027 luxury tax payroll currently sits at just over $163 million. With the possibility of a new collective bargaining battle — and even a potential lockout — looming over Major League Baseball, it is worth taking a closer look at which current Braves players are set to hit free agency at season’s end and what direction the organization could take during what promises to be an eventful offseason.
Braves still set up well for 2027, but will need to replace some key departures
The first position Atlanta Braves fans will likely monitor this offseason is shortstop. Atlanta signed Ha-Seong Kim to a one-year deal this past winter and still has versatile infielder Mauricio Dubón under contract through 2026, but the organization’s major league-ready depth at the position largely dries up beyond this season.
Much like this past offseason, next year’s shortstop market projects to be relatively thin. Kim and J.P. Crawford currently headline a free-agent class that lacks many proven long-term options at one of baseball’s premier positions. Elsewhere on the infield, the Braves hold a $7 million club option on second baseman Ozzie Albies for 2027. Given his strong start to the 2026 season, however, that option is widely expected to be exercised.
The bulk of Atlanta’s offseason work will likely come in the bullpen. As things currently stand, Raisel Iglesias, Aaron Bummer, MartÃn Pérez, and Joe Jiménez are all set to reach free agency at season’s end. The Braves also hold club options for 2027 on Reynaldo López ($10 million) and Tyler Kinley ($4.25 million), giving the front office additional flexibility as it reshapes the pitching staff.
Anthopoulos has traditionally been aggressive when constructing a bullpen, and this coming offseason should be no different. With relievers such as Jason Adam, Aroldis Chapman, and David Bednar potentially available on the open market, expect the Braves to continue prioritizing a high-powered, late-inning relief corps.
Finally, the Braves will need to reshape their bench, as Dominic Smith, Jorge Mateo, and Kyle Farmer are all set to become free agents at season’s end. While that may rank lower on the priority list for Anthopoulos, strong bench production has been a key factor in Atlanta’s impressive start to the 2026 season.
Overall, the Braves are in a stronger position than most organizations when it comes to their 2027 roster outlook. There is still work to be done — including potential contract extensions and key roster decisions — but much of the foundation has already been established through the long-term deals that have become a hallmark of Anthopoulos’ roster-building strategy. Even with the possibility of an MLB lockout looming after 2026, the Braves appear better positioned than most contenders heading into the offseason.
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