Not much went right for the Atlanta Braves in 2025.
Injuries decimated the Braves’ rotation with 19 different pitchers, including the husks of Charlie Morton and Carlos Carrasco, getting at least one start. Outfielder Jurickson Profar missed 80 games due to a PED suspension while fellow outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. missed the first two months due to injury. Shortstop was a black hole. It was a perfect storm for the Braves to fall out of contention early.
There were positives. Catcher Drake Baldwin emerged as a building block and a possible franchise cornerstone. Pitcher Hurston Waldrep showed that he can be a part of the Braves’ rotation going forward. The core is still intact and, with better health and luck, the Braves should contend again in 2026.
However, questions surround the organization this offseason. Let’s look at three areas for the Braves to focus on.
Three offseason focal points for the Atlanta Braves
1. Get a fresh viewpoint at manager
The last time the Braves hired a manager without ties to the organization was back in 1963, when Bobby Bragan took the helm of the then-Milwaukee Braves. Chances are, the Braves will continue to promote from within following Brian Snitker’s retirement, with bench coach Walt Weiss and third base coach Fredi Gonzalez as the most likely candidates.
Although the Braves have had an impressive run of success since 1991, it may be time for a change of direction. Adding a manager without ties to the organization would bring in a fresh viewpoint and different ideas. Getting a different vantage point from someone outside the organization may provide a jolt to the Braves heading into 2026 and beyond.
2. Consider an extension for pitcher Chris Sale
Shortly after the Braves acquired Sale from the Red Sox, they signed him to a two-year, $38M extension with an $18M team option for 2026. Sale has done his part in Atlanta, posting a 2.46 ERA and a 1.035 WHiP over 303.1 innings, striking out 390 batters with 71 walks.
There are risks associated with Sale. He has a checkered injury history and, at 37 years old at the start of the 2026 season, is closing in on the end of his career. However, he has been the ace the Braves needed, especially with Spencer Strider struggling in his return from elbow surgery. Another two-year extension would carry risks but makes sense for a Braves team with an eye to contending.
3. Lock in Ha-Seong Kim
Kim had a miserable showing with the Rays as he battled injuries before being let go. He was better during a 98-plate-appearance look with the Braves in September, posting a .253/.316/.368 batting line with three homers.
Chances are, Kim will be back in 2026 as he holds a $16M player option. However, the Braves may want to preemptively strike and lock him in for the near future. Nick Allen may be one of the better defensive shortstops in the game but he has not demonstrated an ability to hit major league pitching. Infielder Nacho Alvarez Jr. has 187 games of experience at short in the minors although he has yet to make an appearance there at the major league level. Otherwise, the Braves’ shortstop prospects are several years away from their projected debut. Kim has been a solid all-around player when healthy and would bridge the gap while the prospects develop.
