Would Braves consider bringing these two players back for 2026?

After four months where it felt like nothing could go right for the Braves, everything started clicking in August. Fresh off a sweep of the Guardians on the road, Atlanta has extended its winning streak to five games — their longest of the season — and has now won nine of its last 11. A postseason run is almost certainly out of reach, but for the first time in a long time, there are reasons to feel optimistic about the future.

On the mound, Hurston Waldrep’s rise might be the most significant development of the 2026 campaign. He’s been brilliant in three appearances since joining the major-league club, flashing a revamped cutter/sinker combination that has almost completely replaced his fastball.

Joey Wentz is another positive storyline among Braves starting pitchers. The club took a flier on him as a necessity because of all the injuries to the rotation, and he’s looked like a completely different pitcher in Atlanta than he did with Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Minnesota.

Offensively, the biggest storyline for the future has surrounded the Braves outfield. This was the weakest spot for the club over the first half of the season. However, Michael Harris’ turnaround and Jurickson Profar‘s explosive return from the suspension list provide a lot of confidence in the unit moving forward.

But what about the veterans on expiring contracts?

At the trade deadline, it was surprising that Alex Anthopoulos didn’t move Marcell Ozuna or Raisel Iglesias. Perhaps no team met his asking price, but both players have rewarded Atlanta by turning in huge second halves.

Marcell Ozuna is clearly feeling more comfortable after suffering a tear in his hip early in the season. He’s found his power stroke again, and it’s been a huge part of the Braves resurgence. In his last ten games, the Big Bear has five home runs with an OPS of 1.066. Iglesias has been equally as vital in the closer’s role. He has not allowed a run in 11 appearances and has surrendered just five hits compared to 11 strikeouts.

That’s who these guys have been for most of their time in Atlanta, and now, instead of feeling like sure offseason departures, both are making a legitimate case for a return. Neither should command more than a short-term deal in the $10 million AAV range, which could make them attractive fits for a team that has several holes to fill this winter.

Ozuna’s future is less certain. Brian Snitker has experimented with a catcher/DH platoon of Drake Baldwin and Sean Murphy, but Ozuna’s recent play highlights just how valuable an impact bat in that spot can be. Whether it’s Ozuna or an outside addition, adding another bat feels non-negotiable.

Iglesias, on the other hand, feels far more likely to stick. Aside from a rough first half, he’s been one of the game’s most consistent closers. Letting him walk would mean finding a replacement — never a cheap task — and with the Braves needing to allocate payroll to several other areas, bringing Iglesias back on a two-year, $20 million type of deal could be the most sensible option.

Two weeks ago, the writing seemed to be on the wall for Ozuna and Iglesias. Now, the situation is much more cloudy. If both continue their strong play down the stretch, it’s very possible at least one of them is brought back for 2026 and beyond.