While the Atlanta Braves kept things quiet on Friday, the rest of the NL East was anything but idle. A flurry of moves across the division reshaped rosters and sent a clear message: the Braves’ rivals are gearing up for a serious run in 2026.
Let’s start with the biggest splash-Bo Bichette is heading to Queens. The Mets landed the All-Star infielder on a three-year, $126 million deal, and here’s the kicker: no deferred money.
That’s a bold, win-now move for a team that’s been aggressive this offseason, and it signals just how much they believe Bichette can be a cornerstone in the heart of their lineup. The Phillies reportedly made a longer, seven-year offer, but in the end, Bichette chose the shorter-term, high-AAV route with New York.
Speaking of the Phillies, they weren’t quiet either. They locked up one of their key veterans, re-signing catcher J.T.
Realmuto to a three-year, $45 million deal. Realmuto remains one of the most reliable two-way catchers in the game, and this deal keeps him behind the plate for Philly through the near future.
It's a move that reinforces the Phillies’ commitment to continuity and experience as they continue to chase a championship window that’s still very much open.
Down in Miami, the Marlins made a smaller but still notable move, claiming right-hander Osvaldo Bido off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays. Bido adds some depth to a Marlins pitching staff that’s always looking to uncover value arms.
The Mets also dipped into the waiver wire, picking up infielder Tsung-Che Cheng from Tampa. It’s a low-risk move that could pay off if Cheng continues to develop.
As for the Braves? Friday wasn’t about flashy headlines, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t meaningful.
With the rest of the division making noise, Atlanta has a chance to step back, assess the landscape, and prepare for what’s shaping up to be a fiercely competitive 2026 campaign. And while the spotlight may have shifted momentarily, the Braves still have the core, the culture, and the track record to stay right in the thick of the race.