The case for and against the Braves trading Pierce Johnson

The Braves intentions with Marcell Ozuna and Raisel Iglesias are clear. With both of them on expiring contracts, they’ll sell them to the highest bidder ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline. The decision to move Pierce Johnson is not as cut and dry, but according to ESPN’s Buster Olney, the Braves are at least listening to offers.

“The Atlanta Braves might be the most disappointing team in the big leagues this year, and now they are fully prepared to execute a minor sell-off before the deadline, moving relievers Raisel Iglesias(who is making $16 million this year) and Pierce Johnson ($7 million, with a $7 million option for 2026) and maybe others,” Olney writes.

The case against the Braves trading Pierce Johnson

By refusing to listen to offers on any of their core pieces, the Braves are signaling they aim to compete in 2026. That’s understandable, given all of the talent still under contract past this season. But in order for the Braves to get back into contention, they must fill a lot of holes in the offseason.

Left field has been an issue for several years, so has shortstop. Both will have to be looked at closely this winter. The Braves must also add at least one high quality starting pitcher, if not multiple, with AJ Smith-Shawver and Grant Holmes likely out for all of next season. Second base could also be upgraded, another DH might have to be added, and finally, the bullpen needs a complete makeover.

With Raisel Iglesias likely to be traded, the Braves will be looking for a new closer. They could also use multiple high leverage arms on top of that, and the situation will only be magnified if the club moves Pierce Johnson.

Johnson has a $7 million option for 2026, a more than palatable rate for a pitcher of his caliber. He owns a 2.63 ERA this season and a 2.75 ERA dating back to 2023 when the Braves acquired him ahead of the trade deadline. It’s not going to be easy to replace that kind of production at a cheaper price point.

The case for the Braves trading Pierce Johnson

If the Braves really plan to compete next season, they probably shouldn’t be actively making it more difficult to do so by trading away one of their most reliable relievers. However, the potential return could be too great to pass up on. As Ken Rosenthal noted in a recent episode of Foul Territory, sellers are in a very advantageous position when it comes to high leverage relievers.