Braves Take Urgent Steps to Finalize Offseason Roster Rebuild
UPDATE: The Atlanta Braves are making critical moves to reshape their roster ahead of the 2026 MLB season. After signing closer Raisel Iglesias to a $16 million deal and acquiring utility player Mauricio Dubón in a trade for Nick Allen, the team is actively seeking to fill key positions, including shortstop and starting pitching.
Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos confirmed the team’s aggressive offseason strategy, stating, “We could still do something at shortstop; we’re very open there.” The urgency is palpable as the Braves aim to solidify their bullpen and add depth to their roster before Spring Training begins.
With Iglesias’ impressive 1.25 ERA over his last 45 appearances, the Braves have secured a formidable closer. However, the team is still evaluating options for his setup role, currently dominated by Dylan Lee, with potential contributions from Daysbel Hernández and Aaron Bummer. The outlook remains uncertain for Joe Jiménez, who is recovering from knee surgery that sidelined him for the entire 2025 season.
The acquisition of Dubón marks a significant win for Atlanta. This two-time Gold Glove Award winner brings versatility, excelling defensively in multiple positions. Dubón’s ability to play at an elite level is underscored by his sixth-highest fielding run value (FRV) among MLB shortstops in 2025, despite limited innings. His offensive capabilities, however, remain a point of discussion, having posted a 97 OPS+ in 2023, which has dipped in recent seasons.
As the Braves weigh their options at shortstop, Anthopoulos indicated that the market is limited. The possibility of signing Ha-Seong Kim could impact Dubón’s role, potentially relegating him to a super-utility position. Additionally, trade discussions involving players like Anthony Volpe from the Yankees could further influence the Braves’ roster decisions.
The urgency surrounding the Braves’ offseason is amplified by the need for offensive production at critical positions. Last season, the team’s shortstop struggles were evident, with Orlando Arcia posting a 73 OPS+ in 2024. The Braves are now faced with the challenge of ensuring they have enough offensive firepower to complement their defensive strengths.
As the offseason progresses, fans and analysts alike are eagerly watching for developments. The Braves are expected to pursue at least two more relievers to bolster their pitching staff before Spring Training. The decisions made in the coming weeks will significantly impact the Braves’ chances in the upcoming season and could dictate their lineup’s overall effectiveness.
Stay tuned for further updates as the Braves finalize their roster and prepare for the 2026 season with an eye on championship aspirations.
