The Atlanta Braves have been busy this offseason, and at this point, their position-player group looks just about locked in. With a mix of returning stars and savvy depth additions, the roster is shaping up to be one of the more balanced lineups in the National League heading into 2026.
Let’s start with the infield, where continuity reigns. Ha-Seong Kim is back on a one-year deal and will once again handle duties at shortstop.
Around him, it’s the usual suspects: Ozzie Albies at second, Austin Riley anchoring third, and Matt Olson holding things down at first. That’s a rock-solid core - a group that’s been through battles together and knows how to produce.
Behind the plate, the Braves are sticking with their two-catcher setup: Sean Murphy and Drake Baldwin return as a tandem that offers both defensive reliability and offensive upside. In the outfield, things look familiar as well, with one notable addition.
Mike Yastrzemski joins the mix and brings with him a blend of experience, left-handed pop, and positional flexibility. He’s not just a depth piece - he’s the kind of guy who can step into a bigger role if needed.
One of the more underrated moves of the offseason might be the addition of Mauricio Dubon. He’s the definition of utility - a player who can plug in anywhere on the field and not miss a beat. That kind of versatility is gold over the grind of a 162-game season, especially for a team that values flexibility.
Speaking of flexibility, that’s exactly how the Braves seem to be approaching the designated hitter spot. President of Baseball Operations Alex Anthopoulos has made it clear: the DH role won’t belong to just one guy.
Instead, the plan is to rotate players through it - giving regulars like Ronald Acuña Jr., Austin Riley, and Matt Olson occasional breathers without taking their bats out of the lineup. Even catchers like Murphy and Baldwin could see time there, keeping their legs fresh while still contributing offensively.
And with Dubon around to cover just about any position on the diamond, the Braves have the depth to make that strategy work.
But there’s still one name floating around that could change the equation: Marcell Ozuna.
Now, let’s be clear - the Braves aren’t in a position where they need Ozuna. The offense is already in a much better place than it was a year ago.
But if there’s a chance to bring him back on a low-cost deal? That’s a conversation worth having.
Ozuna isn’t going to be guaranteed a starting role - and that’s likely the biggest hurdle to a reunion. The Braves want to keep that DH spot fluid, and committing it to one player runs counter to that approach. Still, if the market doesn’t develop for Ozuna the way he hopes - if no team is willing to offer more than a shot at earning playing time - then Atlanta could emerge as a logical landing spot.
It’s the classic low-risk, high-reward scenario. If Ozuna can tap back into the power he flashed a couple of seasons ago, he becomes a dangerous bat off the bench or in a part-time role. If not, the Braves haven’t tied up significant money or a roster spot.
Bottom line: the Braves don’t need to make another move, but they’ve left the door open just wide enough to entertain the right opportunity. And if that opportunity happens to be a familiar face with a big bat and something to prove, it could make an already-deep lineup even more dangerous.