Braves Begin Major 2026 Roster Overhaul

The Atlanta Braves finished 76-86 in 2025, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2017 after a season marred by injuries to Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider and an unsettled rotation that used 18 different starters. The front office has begun an offseason roster overhaul, prioritizing starting pitching depth and deciding which veterans to retain or move after the disappointing campaign. Designated hitter Marcell Ozuna, coming off a down year and headed for free agency, is a central uncertainty — analysts expect Atlanta may let him walk unless he accepts a bargain deal or the club extends a qualifying offer. Management is expected to pursue reliable innings-eaters such as Sonny Gray, according to reports, even as rookie Hurston Waldrep — who emerged this year — was optioned to Triple-A to manage his workload. Other veterans who could be moved include reliever Raisel Iglesias and Carlos Carrasco, while late-season moves like recalling Hayden Harris underline Atlanta’s evaluation of depth heading into 2026.