The Atlanta Braves have a lot of things to address this offseason. Finding a manager is the first decision to be made. After that, they have to lock up a shortstop, fix the bullpen, and add at least one starter. There should be much more activity this offseason.
However, there are also a few players under contract that the team really needs to re-evaluate. Their performances have been fine for the most part, but are they truly worth bringing back next season given what they provide and how much they cost?
Here are 3 Braves who will likely return in 2026, but shouldn’t
Aaron Bummer
Bummer was good in his first season with the Braves in 2024, but he struggled in 2025.
He ended the season on the IL with left shoulder inflammation. Bummer had a 3.81 ERA over 54.1 innings, including 17 walks and 51 strikeouts. His barrel and ground ball rates remained elite, but he struggled in almost every other metric. He is owed $9.5 million next season, and Atlanta will likely bring him back, even with his struggles with runners in scoring position.
Bryce Elder
It seems that no matter how poorly Elder performs, the Braves will bring him back. That was no different in 2025 as Elder became an important piece during the injury-riddled season. He ended the year with a 5.30 ERA over 156.1 innings with 51 walks and 131 strikeouts. His impressive end to the season with a 3.13 ERA in September likely means Atlanta will keep him around as a fringe option.
Sean Murphy
Yes, I know there are a lot of polarizing opinions surrounding Murphy’s lackluster offense over the last couple of years. However, it’s easy to understand why people are displeased with him. His batting average has been below .200 for the last two seasons, and we have since discovered that he has been playing with a tear in his hip since joining the Braves.
That’s not a good look for him, but he’ll likely have a chance to win fans over next season. Murphy still provides elite defense and game calling. Drake Baldwin has proven he can be a starting catcher, so this would allow Atlanta to have a great, but expensive, backup.
