With Christmas week upon us, Major League Baseball’s offseason remains in a bit of a holding pattern-especially when it comes to the top-tier free agent arms still on the board. Big names like Framber Valdez, Zac Gallen, Ranger Suárez, and Tatsuya Imai remain unsigned, and with the holiday slowdown in full swing, it’s tough to pin down when the next wave of signings might hit. That’s not unexpected this time of year, but it does add a layer of unpredictability to how the market will unfold as we head into the new year.
One team that continues to hover near the center of the pitching conversation? The Atlanta Braves.
Atlanta has been active this offseason, but notably, they’ve managed to address several needs without dipping into their farm system. That flexibility gives them options-whether it’s staying in the free agent mix or pivoting toward the trade market if the right deal presents itself. The Braves aren’t boxed into one path, and that’s a good place to be when high-impact arms are still available and the market is moving slowly.
Even without a splashy move yet, the Braves’ rotation is already one of the most well-rounded in the National League. Adding another frontline starter would turn a strength into a serious weapon.
Whether that addition comes from the open market or via trade, the Braves are in a position to be patient-and opportunistic. Don’t be surprised if any major move slides into early January, once the holiday dust settles and front offices get back to full speed.
Braves Hall of Fame Watch
Looking ahead to January, the 2026 MLB Hall of Fame class is starting to take shape, and there’s some encouraging news for Braves fans. Andruw Jones is tracking well in early voting returns, sitting at 78% according to Ryan Thibodaux’s public ballot tracker. Carlos Beltrán is also right there with him at the same percentage.
Of course, it's still early-less than 10% of the ballots have been revealed-but it’s a promising start for Jones, who’s been steadily gaining traction in recent years. His elite defense, power bat, and impact during the Braves’ golden era make him a compelling candidate. If the early numbers hold, we could be looking at a long-awaited induction for one of the most dynamic center fielders of his generation when the official announcement drops on January 20.
Stay tuned. The offseason may be quiet right now, but there’s still plenty brewing beneath the surface-and Atlanta’s right in the thick of it.