The Atlanta Braves have checked off most of their offseason to-do list-and they’ve done it with purpose. With the signing of Ha-Seong Kim, the infield is set.
The bullpen has depth. The lineup remains one of the most potent in baseball.
Sure, adding another quality starting pitcher would be a welcome bonus, but the Braves are in a strong position heading into 2026. And yet, they’re not standing still.
Even with the big-league roster largely in place, Atlanta is still looking for ways to improve-this time, turning their attention to the coaching and front office side of the operation. The field staff appears locked in, but the Braves just added a new voice to the room: longtime catcher Martín Maldonado, who’s joining the organization as a special assistant for major league operations.
Maldonado, 39, announced his retirement earlier this fall, but he’s not done with baseball just yet. He’s still set to suit up for Puerto Rico in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, but his playing days in MLB are over.
What comes next? For now, it’s a front office role with the Braves-though the exact responsibilities haven’t been fully defined.
What we do know is that Maldonado brings a wealth of experience to the table. He’s been widely respected across the league for his ability to manage pitching staffs and his deep understanding of the game’s strategic side-especially behind the plate. That’s the kind of insight that can be invaluable, particularly for a young catcher like Drake Baldwin, who stands to benefit from Maldonado’s mentorship.
This move isn’t about plugging Maldonado back into the lineup. It’s about adding another sharp baseball mind to the organization. Think of it like how Chipper Jones has been used in recent years-a trusted voice who can drop in, offer guidance, and help players develop without necessarily being front and center every day.
There’s also a longer-term angle here. Maldonado has long been viewed as a future manager or coach.
This role could be the first step in that transition, giving him a chance to get his feet wet on the operations side while staying close to the action. If things go well, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see his responsibilities grow as the season progresses.
For the Braves, it’s a smart, low-risk move. They’re adding experience, leadership, and a fresh perspective to a clubhouse that already has a strong identity. Maldonado knows how to build relationships with pitchers, understands the grind of a 162-game season, and brings a catcher’s eye to game planning-an underrated asset in today’s data-driven game.
Bottom line: the Braves didn’t need to make this move, but it’s the kind of forward-thinking addition that championship-caliber organizations make. Maldonado won’t be putting the gear back on, but his impact on this team could still be felt in a big way.