Free agency is just a couple of weeks away, and the Atlanta Braves are about to undergo very significant changes. No one is really arguing that the Braves’ roster is in need of a true remodeling, and odds are very good that several current players will move on. However, those players are not the only way that the Braves influence and color the free agent market.
Under Alex Anthopoulos, the Braves have been unafraid to let players leave in free agency if the cost outweighs the potential benefits in the team's eyes. That has led to a large group of former Atlanta players forming who not only decorate other MLB rosters, but who are also flooding the free agent pool this offseason.
List of former Braves hitting free agency a reminder of some fun success stories and brutal failures
Just for the sake of being a reference and to satisfy some completionist urges, included are the "current" Braves players that are definitely free agents after the 2026 season. While technically not "former" players yet, they aren't under contract to play for Atlanta anymore, so that is close enough to warrant inclusion here. If the Braves go out and re-sign some of their current free agents once the World Series ends, you are welcome for the reverse jinx.
- Travis d'Arnaud, C
- Jonah Heim, C
- Carlos Santana, 1B/C
- Mauricio Dubon, INF
- Ha-Seong Kim, SS
- Ramon Laureano, OF
- Lane Thomas, OF
- Marcell Ozuna, DH
- Jorge Soler, DH
- Joc Pederson, DH
- Kevin Gausman, RHP
- Tyler Mahle, RHP
- Kenley Jansen, RHP
- Raisel Iglesias, RHP
- Kirby Yates, RHP
- Evan Phillips, RHP
This list has the entire spectrum of good and bad. In terms of players the Braves probably wish stayed (or would stay) around for certain, Tyler Mahle is at the top of the list. You can also fully expect Atlanta to try very hard to bring Mauricio Dubon back, if for no other reason than the rest of the shortstop free agent options out there are...not great.
It is pretty funny that the market for DH-only bats is all former Braves players with Marcell Ozuna, Jorge Soler, and Joc Pederson. Given the inflexibility of the Braves’ current roster (no, the Braves are not going to bench or release Austin Riley…yet), it makes sense for Atlanta to go out and grab a DH bat this offseason. Unfortunately, the only former Braves player who makes remote sense to reunite with is Pederson (and even then, that is mostly for the vibes). That said, Ramon Laureano could be an interesting choice to bring back if his hip is truly healthy now, as Atlanta could use a righty bat with some pop.
In short, there are a lot of former Braves out there in free agency this offseason. As for the ones who might be worth reuniting with to help the team in 2026, that is a much, much smaller list.
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