Atlanta Braves Offseason Moves: A Closer Look at Their New Additions and What They Bring to the Table

The Atlanta Braves have made some notable moves this offseason, and while the anticipation builds over who might join them next, let’s take a closer look at the players who have already arrived in the fold. Each of these new additions brings something unique to the team, whether it’s a tool they excel at or an aspect of their game that might be a bit more subtle. While some of these traits are well-known, others might fly under the radar for the casual fan. Here’s an in-depth look at the Braves’ new acquisitions, and how they could impact the team going forward.

Ha-Seong Kim: Speed and Baserunning Excellence

Ha-Seong Kim may not be a brand-new acquisition for the Braves, but his arrival in Atlanta in September means he still qualifies as a fresh addition in the eyes of many. Kim played 24 games with the Braves in 2025, and while his arrival wasn’t at the trade deadline, his impact could be felt for years to come.

Kim’s greatest asset is his speed. Over the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Kim stole 60 bases on 74 attempts, a success rate of 81%. In terms of baserunning value, he ranks above the 90th percentile, with his sprint speed pushing close to the 80th percentile, making him one of the most dangerous runners on the basepaths in the league.

For those unfamiliar with Kim’s game prior to his time in Atlanta, it’s important to note that he has the capability to disrupt pitchers and defenses with his speed. The Braves lineup is already filled with potent hitters, but having someone who can steal bases and create chaos on the basepaths adds a new dimension to the offense. Kim’s presence on the team will only increase the pressure on opposing pitchers, making the Braves’ offense even more dynamic.

Mauricio Dubón: Plate Discipline and Contact Skills

Mauricio Dubón, another key acquisition for the Braves, is known for his incredible plate discipline. While he may not be a slugger or power hitter, Dubón brings something highly valuable to the table—he simply doesn’t strike out. In 2025, Dubón posted an impressively low strikeout rate of just 10.6%, a figure that puts him among the top hitters in terms of contact. For a team like the Braves, who have powerful hitters capable of driving in runs, having someone like Dubón who consistently puts the ball in play could be a key asset.

Dubón’s walk rate also saw a notable increase in 2025, jumping to 6%, a marked improvement from previous seasons. This means he is able to get on base with regularity and create opportunities for the power hitters behind him.

That said, Dubón’s lack of power is something that could hold him back from being an ideal fit in a lineup full of heavy hitters. His hard-hit rate has been one of the lowest in the majors over the past three seasons, which could be a concern in high-leverage situations. However, if Dubón continues to bring his discipline and ability to avoid strikeouts, his on-base skills could still contribute significantly to the Braves’ success.

Robert Suarez: Two High-Quality Fastballs

While the Braves have added some exciting hitters this offseason, they’ve also bolstered their bullpen with Robert Suarez, a dynamic reliever who brings two deadly fastballs to the table. While some might argue that pairing two pitches into one quality sounds like a bit of a cheat, Suarez’s combination of pitches—his four-seamer and splitter—is exactly what makes him so effective.

Hitters struggle against both his fastballs, batting below .160 and slugging under .250 against them. While Suarez’s changeup is not as effective, his fastballs are both highly effective for getting outs, with lower whiff rates but higher putaway rates. This dynamic makes Suarez particularly lethal when it comes to closing games or getting key outs in high-leverage situations.

In theory, Suarez doesn’t need a third pitch to be effective, especially as a reliever. His ability to dominate with just two fastballs allows him to focus on his strengths, giving the Braves bullpen a solid weapon. Having a reliable arm like Suarez in the bullpen only strengthens Atlanta’s pitching staff, adding yet another layer of depth and security when the game is on the line.

Mike Yastrzemski: Improved Performance in the Field

When we think of Mike Yastrzemski, the first thing that often comes to mind is his power. He’s been a reliable home run hitter since his debut in 2020. However, last season saw a significant shift in his game—his fielding. Yastrzemski’s performance with the glove improved drastically in 2025, which might surprise some casual observers who aren’t aware of his defensive development.

His fielding run value jumped from the 41st percentile to the 69th percentile, a notable improvement. But perhaps the most impressive change came in his arm strength and value. Yastrzemski’s arm value skyrocketed from the 33rd percentile to the 97th percentile, a huge jump that suggests his ability to make strong, accurate throws has improved significantly. His arm strength also saw a modest increase from the 66th percentile to the 73rd percentile, meaning he’s now a much more reliable presence in the outfield.

This improvement in defense gives Braves manager Walt Weiss more flexibility with his matchups. It allows him to give regular starters like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Michael Harris II a break when needed without sacrificing too much defensively. Yastrzemski’s ability to contribute in the field gives Weiss more options to rotate players without feeling the pressure of a defensive liability in the outfield.

Conclusion: A Strong and Dynamic Braves Roster

With the offseason moves that have already been made, the Braves have added several intriguing players to their roster. Whether it’s Ha-Seong Kim’s baserunning, Mauricio Dubón’s plate discipline, Robert Suarez’s dominant fastballs, or Mike Yastrzemski’s improved defense, each player brings a unique tool to the table.

While these may not be the headline-grabbing acquisitions that some might expect, they’re all incredibly valuable to a team that’s already one of the most well-rounded in the league. The Braves’ depth, versatility, and well-balanced roster will make them a serious contender in the National League once again in 2026. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how these new additions fit into the puzzle, and how they’ll help propel the Braves toward another successful season.