The Atlanta Braves have been busy this offseason, and while they’ve already plugged a few key holes, there’s a sense that more moves are coming-especially if they want to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive National League.
Let’s start with the bullpen, which was a major question mark heading into the winter. That unit looks a lot more stable now.
Re-signing Raisel Iglesias was a foundational move, and bringing in Robert Suarez adds another high-leverage option with big-game experience. But the job might not be finished.
There’s still room for one more arm who can handle pressure situations late in games-something the Braves learned the hard way last October.
In the lineup, Mike Yastrzemski brings a steady veteran presence to the outfield and designated hitter mix. He’s not a flashy addition, but he’s the kind of player who raises the floor for a club trying to avoid the injury-driven depth issues that hit them last season.
Meanwhile, Mauricio Dubon gives the Braves a versatile option at shortstop. He’s a solid defender who can also move around the diamond, but make no mistake-shortstop remains a work in progress.
The organization would prefer a long-term solution there, and that search is still very much ongoing.
As we look toward 2026, shortstop is clearly the top priority. The rotation, while not being ignored, seems to be a secondary concern for now.
That’s largely due to optimism around the health of the current starters. The front office is encouraged by the progress those arms are making, but they’re not ruling out adding another starter.
And frankly, it might be easier to find a reliable rotation piece than a top-tier shortstop, especially with how thin the free-agent market is at that position.
Brad Keller: A Familiar Blueprint
One name to keep an eye on? Brad Keller.
He’s an intriguing option for a team like Atlanta that could use both rotation depth and another bullpen weapon. Keller had a bit of a resurgence last season in the Cubs’ bullpen, showcasing a noticeable jump in velocity that added real swing-and-miss potential to his game.
But what makes him especially interesting is his groundball rate-still among the best in the league. That plays well in a park like Truist, where keeping the ball on the ground can be the difference between a win and a walk-off.
There’s also a precedent here. The Braves took a similar chance on Reynaldo López and turned it into a success story. If they think Keller can follow a similar path, don’t be surprised if he’s brought in with the flexibility to either start or relieve, depending on how the rest of the roster shakes out.
Ha-Seong Kim: Still on the Radar
Even after bringing in Dubon, the Braves haven’t closed the book on Ha-Seong Kim. Alex Anthopoulos has made it clear that Kim remains a player of interest, and that hasn’t changed.
Of course, the Scott Boras factor complicates things. Boras clients don’t come cheap, and with such a shallow pool of available shortstops, Kim’s price tag is likely heading north.
Still, the fit makes sense. Kim is a plus defender with a solid bat, and he brings postseason experience to a team that’s built to contend. If the Braves are looking for a player who can lock down shortstop not just in 2026 but for the next few years, Kim remains one of the best options available.
Jonah Heim: A Quiet Need Behind the Plate
Catcher hasn’t been a hot topic this offseason, but it’s worth keeping an eye on. The Braves have two quality backstops on the roster, but there’s some buzz that Sean Murphy might not be ready for Opening Day as he recovers from hip surgery. If that’s the case, Atlanta will need to add some depth behind the plate.
Jonah Heim could be a name to watch. He was non-tendered by the Rangers, but he’s coming off a career-best season that included an All-Star nod and a Gold Glove.
It’s also worth noting that his breakout came under hitting coach Tim Hyers, who’s now with the Braves. That connection could make Atlanta an appealing landing spot if Heim is looking for a fresh start and a chance to contribute to a contender.
Chris Bassitt: A Steady Hand for the Rotation
Finally, let’s talk about the rotation. The Braves are publicly projecting confidence in their group of starters, but with so many coming off injuries, there’s a real case to be made for adding one more dependable arm.
Enter Chris Bassitt.
He’s not flashy, but he’s consistent-exactly what this rotation could use. Bassitt has logged at least 157 innings in each of the past five seasons and carries a 3.66 ERA over that span.
He’s the kind of veteran who won’t dominate headlines but will quietly give you six solid innings every fifth day. Think of this as a potential Charlie Morton 2.0 signing: a durable, experienced pitcher who can stabilize the middle of the rotation and take pressure off the younger arms.
Final Thoughts
The Braves have already done a lot of heavy lifting this offseason, but there are still a few key moves left on the board. Whether it’s shoring up shortstop, adding another starter, or reinforcing the bullpen, this front office has shown time and again that it’s willing to be aggressive when the right opportunity presents itself.
And with the NL shaping up to be a dogfight once again, don’t expect Atlanta to sit back and hope for health and luck. They know what it takes to win-and they’re not done building toward it.