The Braves have become notorious for extending their talent early in order to avoid any type of free agency conflict. It’s a way of doing business that’s worked more often than not, but there are now several instances where it’s come back to bite them.

That could ultimately deter Alex Anthopoulos from being as aggressive in handing out extensions in the future. But even with that in mind, there are several currently rostered Braves that could ink new deals between now and Opening Day 2026.

Chris Sale

Even with all of the injury concerns that came with Chris Sale when the Braves acquired him a couple of offseason ago, Alex Anthopoulos didn’t hesitate to hand him a mini extension immediately. That deal tacked on a team option for 2026 worth $18 million, which the Braves will undoubtedly pick up this offseason.

That’s typically around the time Anthopoulos likes to get these extensions done, and in Sale’s case, there’s no reason the Braves shouldn’t try. Even at 36-years-old, he’s proven he has plenty left in the tank, winning the Cy Young in 2024 and following it up with a 2.35 ERA this season, which is actually better than what he posted last year. Sale might not have any interest in signing a contract extension this offseason, but the Braves should be willing to open up the checkbook to keep him a couple of extra years.

Ha-Seong Kim

Kim has a $16 million player option for next season, which most expect he’ll pick up following a forgetful 2025 campaign. He spent most of the season on the IL with the Rays, but since the Braves claimed him off waivers, he’s been a revelation at the shortstop position.

Kim’s a Gold Glove defender that is hitting .313 with a .766 OPS over 14 games with the Braves. Not exactly Barry Bonds‘ numbers, but it feels like it compared to what the Braves have gotten out of the position since Dansby Swanson left in free agency. There’s some risk involved, given his injury history, but that may be a gamble the Braves are willing to take to avoid ever having to watch Orlando Arcia and Nick Allen start at shortstop again.

Spencer Schwellenbach

Coming off a fractured elbow, the Braves might want to see how Schwellenbach responds next year before beginning contract extension talks, especially with how things have played out thus far with Spencer Strider. However, nobody is more deserving of being locked up long term than Schwellenbach. In 38 major-league starts, he’s proven to be a frontline starter when healthy, recording a 3.23 ERA and 1.009 WHIP.

Ronald Acuña Jr.

Some nitwit in the national media would like people to believe the Braves should consider trading Ronald Acuña Jr. for a king’s ransom. But really, Alex Anthopoulos should be doing everything in his power to ensure Acuña remains in Atlanta for his entire career. Of course, there is massive injury risk for the 2023 NL MVP. He’s suffered two torn ACLs over the last four years and dealt with a myriad of other injuries.

But that same injury risk might be the reason why Acuña would even negotiate now instead of going to the highest bidder in free agency down the road. If the Braves are going to extend him, it has to happen sooner rather than later. The closer he gets to free agency, the more likely he will be interested in being courted by every team in baseball. Once that happens, the Braves don’t stand a chance.