2025-2026 Atlanta Braves Offseason Predictions

This offseason is shaping up to be one of the most compelling in recent memory for the Braves. At the GM Meetings this week, Alex Anthopoulos confirmed that the team’s priorities include starting pitching, a shortstop, and multiple relievers — but the needs don’t stop there. With Marcell Ozuna entering free agency, Atlanta also must add another outfield/DH bat. After such a disappointing campaign, there’s significant pressure on Anthopoulos and Chairman Terry McGuirk to follow through on their promises.

Just last week, McGuirk reiterated his goal of becoming a top-five payroll in the league.

“I think aiming back to the top five is a place that I want to get to,” McGuirk said. “I think we’re capable of that.”

It’s not the first time fans have heard that message. McGuirk has made similar statements in recent years, and until last offseason, there wasn’t much reason to question him. The Braves’ payroll steadily rose by nearly $30 million per year before unexpectedly dropping by more than $20 million in 2025. The reasoning for that may never be fully known, but if Atlanta doesn’t spend aggressively this winter, they risk losing the trust of the fan base.

So, as I do every offseason, I’ll take my best shot at predicting how the Braves’ winter will unfold — one that should feature a flurry of trades and free-agent signings.

Braves re-sign Ha-Seong Kim — 2 years, $30 million

It’s possible a really desperate team ups the bidding on Kim due to the lack of options at shortstop this offseason, and no agent is more difficult to deal with than Scott Boras, but I like the Braves chances of retaining Kim on a reasonable deal. He only played in 48 games last season, and it’s not like he was a world-beater — hitting just .234 with a .649 OPS while playing average defense at shortstop. I don’t see the bidding getting as crazy as some might expect.

Braves re-sign Raisel Iglesias — 2 years, $22 million

The Braves have signaled they plan to reconstruct their entire bullpen after declining the options on Pierce Johnson and Tyler Kinley. There’s not much to like about the current group, but bringing back Raisel Iglesias on a two-year deal makes a lot of sense. He’s very well respected in the clubhouse, has been fantastic for the Braves, and finished last season strong after a shaky start, posting a 1.25 ERA over his final 45 appearances.

Blockbuster Trade: Braves trade Michael Harris II, Owen Murphy, and JR Ritchie to the Twins for Pablo Lopez and Byron Buxton

Am I crazy? Absolutely.

This kind of trade would make me sick to my stomach, but also incredibly excited for the future. I’m a huge Michael Harris fan and the upside is immense, but there are also legitimate concerns about his ceiling due to his plate discipline. It wouldn’t surprise me if the Braves dangled him out there in some blockbuster trade scenarios, and this kind of deal would really be going for it.

Atlanta reportedly went after Buxton at the trade deadline, but he refused to waive his no-trade clause for anyone. However, there are reports suggesting that could change this offseason. In this deal, the Braves upgrade at centerfield and add a legitimate #3 starter with multiple years of control, and they do so without spending a ton of money. JR Ritchie and Owen Murphy are two really intriguing pitching prospects, but this would put the Braves right at the forefront of World Series conversations immediately.

Braves sign Seranthony Dominguez — 2 years, $18 million

The construction of the Braves bullpen this offseason will be very interesting, but I imagine there will be a heavy emphasis placed on velocity and guys that can strike people out. Dominguez is one of the best in both of those areas, comes with a wealth of experience against the NL East from his days with the Phillies, and owns a 1.86 ERA in 29 postseason appearances. All of those things make him a great fit in Atlanta.

Braves sign Lane Thomas — 1 year, $4 million

In this hypothetical scenario where the Braves trade for Byron Buxton and move on from Michael Harris II, they would absolutely need to sign another outfielder capable of easing the burden on both Ronald Acuña Jr. and Buxton — two of the most injury-prone superstars in baseball. The problem is there aren’t many affordable options who fit that role. Harrison Bader makes some sense, but he may be too expensive and might not be thrilled about a part-time role.

So how about Lane Thomas on a one-year deal? Thomas’ 2025 season was derailed by injuries, but he’s only two years removed from hitting 28 home runs with the Nationals. As a fourth outfielder who can provide pop, versatility, and insurance at all three spots, he would be a solid addition to round out Atlanta’s outfield mix.

There will likely be a bevy of other smaller additions this offseason, and while my predictions on the actual players might not be perfect, this is how I expect things to unfold. Anthopoulos has always done his biggest work on the trade market. Multiple relievers have to be signed, and I think they’ll add another starting pitcher as well as an impact bat, even if it means moving on from a piece of their major-league roster.