With the MLB offseason being close to being over, it’s time to assess how well the Atlanta Braves have done with their roster moves over the past two months. Some of the additions include: Robert Suarez, Mike Yastremski, Mauricio Dubon, and Joel Payamps. Atlanta has also retained closer Raisel Iglesias, Ha-Seong Kim, and Tyler Kinley. Although Kim is set to miss 4-5 months with a hand injury, shortstop was such an issue for the Braves in 2025 that it’s still considered an okay signing for now.
Marcell Ozuna is the only free agent Atlanta is waiting on to sign, but he could already be out the door because of the Mike Yastrzemski signing. ESPN.com recently took a crack at predicting the top-five breakout teams for MLB in 2026, and the Atlanta Braves come in at number one on the list.
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ESPN.com Article Gives Atlanta Braves High Praise
In a story by ESPN.com’s Bradford Doolittle, the Atlanta Braves are predicted to have a breakout season in 2026, and the ESPN writer compares this 2026 Braves team to what the Diamondbacks did in 2022, and gives Atlanta a 59& chance to break out next season.
The main reason he tabs the Braves as the top breakout team is because of all the players returning from injury. Ronald Acuña Jr, being healthy heading into the season, is a huge boost considering how well he played down the stretch for Atlanta when they were out of playoff contention.
GettyChris Sale winds up for a pitch against the Diamondbacks.
Austin Riley is also expected to be ready to go, but perhaps the biggest boost of confidence for Atlanta is having Chris Sale and Spencer Schwellenbach ready to headline the starting rotation.
With the emergence of Drake Baldwin behind the plate, a strong outfield cast of Ronald, Jurickson Profar, and Michael Harris II, Atlanta is poised to be at least a playoff contender once again in August and September.
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Are Atlanta’s Offseason Moves Over?
Unless the Braves decide to acquire a low-cost starter like Zack Littell, Patrick Corbin, or Max Scherzer, they are likely done making additions this offseason, or at least in the big signing department.
The Braves could make a trade, though, if they wanted to acquire a starter via the trade market. There have been the same number of impactful players traded as free agent signings this offseason, so Atlanta could jump into that action to help improve their roster.
Sean Murphy is set to miss the start of the 2026 season rehabbing his hip injury, but he could be a trade option, and Ozzie Albies, a Braves fan favorite, might be an attractive infield option for other MLB teams.
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