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Braves Player Gets Released After MLB Retirement News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Nov 12, 2025 3:05 PM ET

The Atlanta Braves will head into the 2026 season aiming for a quick rebound and a return to postseason contention after finishing 2025 with a 76–86 record. There is reason to believe the team can do just that, with much of the core still intact, including Ronald Acuna Jr., Matt Olson and Austin Riley.

Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos is expected to be active on the free agent market, with a focus on finding a new shortstop and reinforcing the starting rotation. Atlanta is likely to invest heavily in the roster this offseason as it looks to rebound from a disappointing campaign.

Despite the retirement of longtime manager Brian Snitker, there is continuity in the clubhouse. Walt Weiss, who served as the team’s bench coach, now steps into the managerial role, bringing familiarity and experience to a roster that still has the talent to contend.

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

As Atlanta prepares for spring training, one of the team’s recent free-agent additions has announced his retirement from playing in MLB. Catcher Austin Nola, who signed a minor league contract with the Braves in October that included an invitation to spring training, has officially stepped away from his playing career.

Nola was expected to compete for a depth role in the organization, likely slotting in as the third catcher behind Rookie of the Year Drake Baldwin and All-Star Sean Murphy. While he was unlikely to see regular playing time, both Baldwin and Murphy missed time last season, and Nola would have been a reliable option if injuries struck again.

That scenario is now off the table. The Braves granted Nola his release so he could accept a coaching opportunity with the Seattle Mariners. “Catcher Austin Nola, who signed a minor-league contract this winter with Atlanta, has been granted his release to become the Seattle Mariners’ new bullpen coach,” reported Bob Nightengale of USA Today.

Catcher Austin Nola, who signed a minor-league contact this winter with Atlanta, has been granted his release to become the Seattle Mariners’ new bullpen coach.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) November 12, 2025

Nola will now transition into the next phase of his baseball career, returning to the organization where he made his MLB debut in 2019. The 35-year-old will finish his career appearing in six seasons for three different teams, posting a .247 batting average, .323 on-base percentage and .687 OPS. He collected 268 hits, 137 RBIs and 24 home runs.

Nola’s move into coaching marks a full-circle moment, closing out his playing career with a return to Seattle and a new opportunity to shape the next generation of big-league talent.

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

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