Wednesday was tough as the Atlanta Braves' 2026 season ended in the NLDS against the Dodgers. Once again, the offense failed to show up, and LA took full advantage of their few scoring opportunities to get the win. While there are many reasons the Braves once again couldn't take down the Dodgers, one player who definitely wasn't at fault was starter Tyler Mahle.
Through 6.1 innings, Mahle held the Dodgers at bay and gave Atlanta every chance to win, which is what he has done since the Braves traded for him at the deadline. It would be a shame for all of that good work, including in the playoffs, to end so suddenly and for Atlanta to just lose him to free agency.
While Mahle certainly made himself a good bit of money with his performance after the trade deadline, it sounds like he is more than open to coming back to the Braves.
Tyler Mahle on returning to the Braves if the opportunity presented itself:
— Jesús Cano (@Jesus_Cano88) October 8, 2026
"For sure. It'd be crazy for anyone not to want to be here. This place is awesome, and there's no other way to put it. It'd be crazy not to want to play here."
Tyler Mahle just made it clear that he would love to return to the Braves this offseason
Obviously Mahle wasn't going to sign an extension right there in the clubhouse after a tough playoff loss, but his comments were very encouraging. It sounds like Mahle has thoroughly enjoyed his time with the Braves, and pitching coach Jeremy Hefner seems to understand how to maximize Mahle's talents the most. There are several reasons for both sides to explore a reunion.
Of course, the devil is in the details. With a pretty shallow free-agent market this offseason ahead of a likely lockout, Mahle will be a very popular guy once the season ends. Mahle can't be given the qualifying offer, as he is ineligible due to being traded this year, and he is unlikely to command a long-term deal given his age and injury history. You can expect at least half the league to give him a call with some pretty lucrative offers.
Still, it is nice to see Mahle not dance around the subject with nine different versions of "we'll see what happens" in the same answer. He loved playing for the Braves, and would love to come back. That is not a guarantee of anything, and the Braves have to be willing to step up to the plate, but it is a good starting point for talks heading into an important winter for the franchise.
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