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Braves Lose Player to Nationals Amid MLB Free Agency

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Jan 30, 2026 7:41 PM ET

The Atlanta Braves entered the latter stages of the offseason continuing to fine-tune the margins of their roster, a familiar process for an organization that prioritizes depth as much as star power.

With a championship-caliber core still intact, Atlanta’s front office has spent recent weeks cycling through bullpen arms and fringe roster pieces, searching for upside that can be stashed or developed while maintaining flexibility on the 40-man roster.

Atlanta’s bullpen outlook remains a key storyline. While the group features established late-inning options after adding both Raisel Iglesias and Robert Suarez in MLB free agency, the Braves have been aggressive in churning the bottom half of the relief corps, particularly with pitchers who still possess intriguing raw traits.

That approach has led to several waiver claims and designations as the club balances immediate reliability against long-term control.

The strategy underscores Atlanta’s confidence in its pitching infrastructure, even as it acknowledges the volatility inherent in relief roles.

Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss.© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

That roster maneuvering led to a notable transaction on Friday involving a hard-throwing right-hander, George Soriano, who had spent only a brief time in the organization this winter.

“The Nationals have claimed right-handed pitcher George Soriano off outright waivers from the Atlanta Braves and have designated shortstop Tsung-Che Cheng for assignment,” the Washington Nationals wrote on X.

Soriano’s exit continues what has been a nomadic offseason for the 26-year-old, who has bounced between multiple organizations via waivers.

Atlanta designated him for assignment earlier in the week after claiming left-hander Jose Suarez, effectively squeezing Soriano out during another round of bullpen reshuffling.

The Nationals have claimed right-handed pitcher George Soriano off outright waivers from the Atlanta Braves and have designated shortstop Tsung-Che Cheng for assignment.
— Nationals Communications (@NationalsComms) January 30, 2026

For the Braves, the move was less about performance and more about roster economics, as Soriano is out of minor-league options and would have required a permanent major-league spot.

At the big-league level, Soriano has yet to establish consistency, posting a 5.95 ERA across 118 innings over the past three seasons.

From Atlanta’s perspective, the decision reflects confidence in its existing bullpen depth and a willingness to gamble elsewhere.

The Braves have consistently shown they will not hesitate to move on from fringe pieces if it means preserving roster flexibility for future opportunities.

While Soriano may find a stable role in Washington, Atlanta’s outlook remains unchanged: a contender focused on maximizing every roster spot as Opening Day approaches.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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