This Braves player might survive the offseason, but won't be around by May

Throughout every baseball season Atlanta Braves fans are reminded just how much Alex Anthopoulos values organizational depth. The regular season shuttle from Gwinnett to Truist Park is generally a busy one, as the Braves shuffle through pitchers like a dealer at the casino. If a pitcher with minor league options, and any redeeming qualities hit the waiver wire, Alex Anthopoulos is typically quick to pounce.

On the flip side of that method, Braves' pitchers who enter 2026 without minor league options are ticking DFA candidates. There are a few pitchers who meet this criteria, but one long-time Brave may be the most in jeopardy player on the roster. Bryce Elder is the pitcher in question, and while we think he will survive the offseason, remaining on Atlanta's roster for another 162 feels impossible.

Why Bryce Elder's time in Atlanta is likely coming to an end

Barring multiple rotation additions, the Atlanta Braves figure to have an internal battle for the final rotation spot come spring training. Elder will get a fair shot at the job, but he likely will be well behind Hurston Waldrep, and Grant Holmes once spring opens up. Because the rotation seems out of reach (or at least should be) and that Elder is out of minor league options, his best path to the Opening Day roster will be in the bullpen.

Elder has made just one relief appearance in his big league career, but the amount of talent on the 2026 pitching staff could force him into a long-relief role. The Braves have late-inning arms written in ink, but the yearly mop-up/long-relief role is yet to be determined. Elder and Joey Wentz are the most logical candidates to fill this role.

Because of Elder's lengthy tenure with the team, it is likely the Braves will at least give him a chance to compete with Wentz for this job. The odds that Atlanta carries both Elder and Wentz on the Opening Day roster feels extremely low. Instead the bullpen will likely be configured of the big-money veterans, a couple of upside young arms, and ONE of Wentz or Elder.

Last season Elder posted a 5.30 ERA and 4.55 FIP in just over 156 innings. Meanwhile, Wentz finished the season with a 5.60 ERA and 4.06 FIP in 98 innings of work. The choice between the two isn't a landslide, but Wentz's underlying metrics give the Braves more upside. Ultimately, the final verdict may very well be determined by each pitcher's spring training results. For that reason we expect Elder to survive the offseason, but the regular season is a different story.