3+ week, 5+ day ago (284+ words) The Atlanta Braves certainly don't have the same shine they used to heading into 2026 if the latest MLB power rankings are any indication. Most people agree that a primary reason why the Atlanta Braves struggled so much in 2025 was because of the sheer amount of injuries they suffered even though it wasn't the only reason. Assuming that the Braves are even remotely healthy, finding people that think the Braves won't at least be pretty good in 2026 would be difficult. Well, at least we thought it would be difficult. This is the time of year for way-too-early predictions for 2026 and The Athletic took a stab at creating an early 2026 MLB power ranking before the offseason gets started. While these are just fun exercises and purely guesses at this point of the offseason, the Braves are not going to like their placement…...

2+ week, 5+ day ago (341+ words) Atlanta Braves rookie Drake Baldwin burst onto the scene in 2025 and put the entire league on notice. No one expected him to be one of the cornerstones of the offense last season, but he didn't just stick around after making the team out of spring training. He excelled. Baldwin didn't get much choice in the matter, as he became the starting catcher on Opening Day after Sean Murphy fractured a rib early in spring training. Baldwin didn't look like a rookie at the plate, as he had some of the best plate discipline and bat speed on the team. That was a constant all season for the youngster. It led to him receiving a lot of compliments from his coaches and teammates. He was extremely valuable to the team, and that value had him in the Rookie of the Year…...

1+ week, 1+ day ago (397+ words) The Atlanta Braves have been busy over the last few days making additions for the 2026 season. It's great to see them active this early in the offseason. Fans are going to need to see a good amount of spending this offseason to feel great about the team's chances. There are a few updates that could impact their decisions going forward. Let's take a look at a couple of those noteworthy items below. The Braves announced Joe Jimenez underwent another cleanup surgery on his left knee. This is the same knee he had surgery on to repair cartilage damage. He missed the entire 2025 season as a result, but there was hope that he would return at the start of 2026. #Braves Alex Anthopoulos reiterated that RHP Joe Jim'nez had another procedure to clean up his left knee. They won't have a clear…...

3+ week, 5+ day ago (214+ words) The Atlanta Braves' offseason is officially underway with the end of the 2025 World Series. Atlanta's first piece of business has to be finding a manager. After that, they have a few areas to focus on. One of those areas will be starting pitching due to all of the Atlanta pitchers rehabbing injuries from 2025. Grant Holmes is one of those injured pitchers looking to return healthy in 2026. The long-haired righty decided he wouldn't undergo surgery, but rehab his elbow instead. Braves insider Grant McAuley shared a video of Holmes throwing off a mound in Florida. The caption read, "Here's to a healthy offseason." That's what the Braves will need from Holmes as if things go well, he could be ready in time for spring training. But with Spencer Schwellenbach (whose status is uncertain) and AJ Smith-Shawver (who definitely is out for…...

1+ day, 16+ hour ago (232+ words) The latest update on Vaughn Grissom should have Atlanta Braves fans feeling even better about the Chris Sale trade. Every passing day, Atlanta Braves fans feel better and better about the trade that brought Chris Sale to Atlanta. Meanwhile, Red Sox fans have been unhappy with Vaughn Grissom from the moment he got there. Alex Anthopoulos has to feel good about how this trade turned out, and with every update we get this trade only gets more lopsided. In a recent report from Red Sox reporter Christopher Smith, the expectation in Boston is that it is doubtful Grissom will be on the 40-man roster come spring training, because he is out of minor league options. That is a rather steep drop off for the once promising prospect in the Braves' organization. The veteran lefty Sale has been the ace of…...

4+ day, 1+ hour ago (301+ words) While the 2025 Atlanta Braves season didn't go as planned, it wasn't because of lack of help from their young players. In addition to NL Rookie of the Year Drake Baldwin's production throughout the season, the Braves also got a half season of ace-level domination from second year starter Spencer Schwellenbach, as well as an excellent 10-game run from former first rounder Hurston Waldrep. Since 2022, MLB has rewarded pre-arbitration players for their performances, and Baldwin, Schwellenbach, and Waldrep were among the 101 players who received the bonus. There is roughly $50 million in the pre-arb bonus pool, which comes from every team paying roughly $1.67 million. MLB determines the payouts by awards, then by the top 100 qualified based on WAR. Spencer Schwellenbach earned an extra $335,439 thanks to his excellent first half, slightly less than he earned last season. The 25-year-old righty didn't pitch after…...

2+ week, 3+ day ago (278+ words) Latest reports out of Minnesota claim Bryon Buxton has softened his no trade stance. If this is true, the Atlanta Braves could once again be interested. Interestingly, reports came out on Tuesday morning that Buxton may be ready to soften that stance, depending on Minnesota's offseason. The Twins superstar is coming off a 2025 season in which he set career highs in home runs, triples, runs, and RBI. If things turn towards a rebuild out in Minnesota, Anthopoulos needs to race to the phones and once again attempt to bring Buxton to Atlanta. Buxton has always been a polarizing player. He is undeniably regarded as having one of richest talent wells in baseball, but he has often battled injuries throughout his 11-year career. Last season, Buxton played in 126 games, which is the second most he has played in a single season…...

2+ day, 19+ hour ago (332+ words) Dylan Cease just landed a seven-year $210 million deal and Atlanta Braves fans should be thankful Alex Anthopoulos didn't get caught in the bidding war. Why Braves fans should be thankful Atlanta didn't give Cease over $200 million Cease is just the latest pitcher off the market that Atlanta could have made a run at. However, talking yourself into the seven-year $210 million contract that Cease got is hard to justify. The contract will run through Cease's age 37 season, so the $30 million AAV could look rough towards the end of this deal. Additionally, Cease's value is carried by his durability and ability to generate whiffs - at least 200 Ks in five consecutive seasons, and both of those traits tend to dip with age. It's rare contracts this large age well, especially with pitchers. For every stellar Zack Wheeler deal, there is an equally bad…...

1+ week, 4+ day ago (194+ words) The Atlanta Braves were the victims of bad luck in 2025, but a few changes could help them avoid a similar fate in 2026. After last year's disappointing season, the Atlanta Braves are already making necessary changes. First-year manager Walt Weiss will be joined by a host of new coaching staff members in an effort to guide the Braves back into contention. While much of the team will remain in place for the 2026 campaign, these three areas of focus could produce much better results on the field next season. This list isn't meant to be exhaustive, but instead a look at some of the bigger changes that the Braves need to make. There are a number of paths Atlanta can take to get back into contention, but these would be a great place to start. The Braves ranked 26th in the Majors in…...

1+ week, 3+ day ago (56+ words) The Atlanta Braves brought their closer back after signing Raisel Iglesias to a one year deal on Wednesday evening. Well, we have good news. On Wednesday night, the Braves announced a one-year deal with Iglesias worth $16 million which feels like a nice middle that values Iglesias' contributions while avoiding a risky long-tern commitment....