ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – After one of their most disappointing seasons in franchise history — considering the expectations versus reality — all the Atlanta Braves can do is look ahead.
In addition to their search for a new manager, the Braves will have several decisions to make about who to bring back for 2026. Atlanta’s two big free agents are Marcell Ozuna and Raisel Iglesias, trade deadline candidates who were not shipped off in July.
The team has multiple club options to decide on, headlined by stars Ozzie Albies and Chris Sale. Also on the docket is righty bullpen arm Tyler Kinley, who excelled in Atlanta after being acquired from the Colorado Rockies.
In addition, the Braves on Wednesday outrighted outfielder Jarred Kelenic, right-handers Alexis Díaz and Dane Dunning, catcher Sandy León and utility player Luke Williams off the 40-man roster. Díaz, Dunning, Kelenic and Williams elected free agency on Thursday.
Charlie Morton, who’s technically now a free agent, had a proper send off in Game 162 ahead of his likely retirement.
RELATED: Braves’ Charlie Morton greeted by family, thunderous applause after potential final start
Here’s a guide to Atlanta’s offseason:
Braves unrestricted free agentsMarcell Ozuna
2025 stats:
145 games592 plate appearances.232/.355/.400 slash line.756 OPS21 home runs68 RBIs1.6 WAR
Ozuna played through a hip injury in 2025, which had an effect on his production. His 21 homers were a far cry from the 40 he put up in 2023 and 39 in 2024, just one part of an underperforming offense at large.
There’s a small chance Atlanta tags Ozuna with a $22 million qualifying offer, which would entitle the team to draft compensation if he rejects it and signs elsewhere. The 35-year-old Ozuna, who’s primarily used as a designated hitter at this stage of his career, is just about as good as gone.
Catchers Sean Murphy, a righty, and Drake Baldwin, a lefty, alternated the catcher/DH role late in the season before the former was placed on the injured list. This would be the most realistic option for 2026, given Baldwin’s exceptional rookie season, or the team could try free agency in finding Ozuna’s replacement.
New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso is one name that comes to mind. Alonso hit 38 home runs in 2025 before opting out of his contract.
Atlanta Braves designated hitter Marcell Ozuna hits a walk off RBI during the 10th inning of a baseball game to beat the Cincinnati Reds, Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)(Butch Dill | AP)Raisel Iglesias
2025 stats:
70 appearances67.1 innings29 saves3.21 ERA73 strikeouts16 walks1.00 WHIP3.31 FIP (fielding-independent pitching)1.3 WAR
Iglesias was acquired by the Braves in 2022 from the Los Angeles Angels, and he pitched to the tune of a 2.35 ERA and 97 saves in 218.2 innings in Atlanta.
However, he struggled mightily for the Braves in the first half of the season. Like Ozuna, the team failed to ship Iglesias at the trade deadline amid its struggles. Iglesias then put up a remarkable August, allowing just one run across 13.2 innings and earning 10 saves en route to the National League Reliever of the Month award.
Iglesias is 35 years old and his market this offseason will be interesting. It wouldn’t be the most surprising thing in the world for the Braves to sign him to a one-year deal; that’s if they can get him for a more reasonable price than $14.5 million a year, which is what he’s been earning.
Atlanta Braves pitcher Raisel Iglesias delivers in the ninth inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Friday, July 18, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)(Colin Hubbard | AP)Carlos Carrasco
2025 stats with Atlanta:
3 appearances13.2 innings9.88 ERA9 strikeouts7 walks2.12 WHIP6.21 FIP-0.6 WAR
Remember Carrasco?
He wasn’t with the major league team for long — and yet, somehow, he’s easy to remember. He was that bad.
Acquired by the New York Yankees in July, Carrasco started three games for Atlanta, allowing 15 earned runs on 22 hits before getting designated for assignment. He re-signed on a minor league deal not long after, but it would be shocking to see the 38-year-old back with the Braves in 2026.
Player optionsHa-Seong Kim ($16 million)
2025 stats with Atlanta:
24 games98 plate appearances.253/.316/.368.684 OPS3 home runs0 errors
Despite his defensive wizardry, the Braves had enough of Nick Allen at shortstop.
Enter Ha-Seong Kim.
Atlanta acquired the struggling 29-year-old from the Tampa Bay Rays, and in just 24 games, Kim looked like his Gold Glove self again. His resurgence made it increasingly likely he’ll explore free agency at season’s end.
With a thin shortstop market — Toronto’s Bo Bichette the only marquee name available — Kim has a strong incentive to pursue a multi-year deal.
Players have until five days after the World Series to decide on their contract options.
Atlanta Braves shortstop Ha-Seong Kim waits for a pitch during the second inning of a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners, Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)(Colin Hubbard | AP)
RELATED: Brotherly love: Former teammates Profar, Kim reunited in Atlanta as season winds down
Club optionsChris Sale ($18 million)
2025 stats:
20 starts125.2 innings2.58 ERA165 strikeouts32 walks1.07 WHIP2.67 FIP3.9 WAR
One of the best pitchers in baseball for $18 million? The Braves will be happy to oblige.
The Braves will have Sale lead a rotation that is expected to include Spencer Schwellenbach, Spencer Strider and Hurston Waldrep, along with a fifth starter from a group that could include Reynaldo López, Bryce Elder, Joey Wentz, or a free-agent addition.
Right-handers AJ Smith-Shawver and Grant Holmes will miss most, if not all, of 2026 due to elbow injuries.
Atlanta Braves pitcher Chris Sale delivers in the first inning of a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners, Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)(Colin Hubbard | AP)Ozzie Albies ($7 million)
2025 stats:
157 games667 plate appearances.240/.306/.365.671 OPS16 home runs23 doubles14 stolen bases-4 outs above average2.1 WAR
This is where it gets interesting. Albies, who posted career lows in batting average, slugging percentage and OPS in 2025, suffered a fractured hamate bone in his left hand that sidelined him in the final week of the regular season.
This is nothing new for Albies, who averaged just 100 games per season from 2022-24, dealing with a slew of injuries which includes a broken toe and wrist. Albies is one of Atlanta’s longest-tenured players and a great clubhouse leader, but a history of injuries for the 29-year-old could make the team skeptical about his future.
If the Braves decide to move on from Albies, it will cost $4 million to buy out his option. The free-agent market includes second basemen such as Luis Arraez, Gleyber Torres and Brandon Lowe, giving the Braves plenty of options to choose from in case they go this route.
Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies prepares to throw out Detroit Tigers’ Parker Meadows at first base during the sixth inning of a baseball game, Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)(Ryan Sun | AP)Pierce Johnson ($7 million)
2025 stats:
65 appearances59 innings3.05 ERA59 strikeouts19 walks1.20 WHIP3.92 FIP1.1 WAR
Johnson was one of Atlanta’s most reliable relievers in 2025. He, alongside Iglesias and righty Dylan Lee, were among Snitker’s “Circle of Trust,” the relievers whom the manager is confident using in high-leverage situations.
The right-hander has posted a 2.91 ERA over 147 innings since moving to Atlanta in 2023 and, barring anything unforeseen, will be in a Braves uniform come 2026.
Atlanta Braves pitcher Pierce Johnson delivers in the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)(Colin Hubbard | AP)Tyler Kinley ($5.5 million)
2025 stats with Atlanta:
24 appearances25 innings0.72 ERA22 strikeouts6 walks0.68 WHIP2.74 FIP1.3 WAR
Kinley’s reclamation is similar to Johnson’s. The 34-year-old Kinley was brought in amid turmoil to the Braves bullpen and quietly bolstered his chances at getting his club option renewed for 2026.
He didn’t just meet Atlanta’s expectations, he surpassed them.
Kinley, who had a 5.66 ERA in 49 appearances before Colorado sent him to Atlanta, will most likely be in a Braves uniform come 2026. If he pitches anywhere near as effectively with Atlanta in 2026, $5.5 million will be a bargain.