The Atlanta Braves are making serious noise this offseason - and not just the kind that fills headlines. With a string of smart, aggressive moves, the Braves are positioning themselves as the team to beat in the NL East, potentially leapfrogging the Phillies in the process.
After a 2025 season that saw their pitching falter, Atlanta is doubling down on arms, depth, and versatility. And it’s starting to look like a full-on reload rather than a simple retool.
Let’s start with the bullpen, which is shaping up to be one of the most formidable in the National League. By pairing Robert Suarez with Raisel Iglesias, the Braves now boast two of the top five relievers in terms of saves over the last two seasons.
That’s not just stacking talent - that’s stacking late-inning insurance. Suarez brings high-leverage experience and a power arm, while Iglesias remains one of the steadiest closers in the game.
It’s a one-two punch that gives Atlanta a serious edge in tight games.
But the bullpen isn’t the only area getting a boost. The rotation, which struggled with injuries and inconsistency in 2025, could be in for a major bounce-back.
A healthy Chris Sale - if he can stay on the mound - still has the stuff to dominate. Spencer Strider, when right, is one of the most electric strikeout artists in the league.
Add in Spencer Schwellenbach, who flashed serious upside, and a full season of Hurston Waldrep, and suddenly this group has depth, upside, and frontline potential.
Then came the signing of Ha-Seong Kim, which added another layer to an already intriguing offseason. Though technically a return, Kim was only with the Braves for about a month last season.
Now, with a full campaign ahead, he’s expected to be a key piece at shortstop. He brings elite defense, positional versatility, and a high-contact bat - the kind of glue guy that championship rosters are built around.
And that wasn’t the only move that turned heads. Mike Yastrzemski was brought in to add outfield depth and lineup flexibility.
He’s a savvy pickup - a lefty bat with pop, solid defense, and the ability to play all three outfield spots. The Braves also re-signed Iglesias, ensuring continuity in the bullpen, and were reportedly weighing Mauricio Dubon as a utility option before the Kim signing solidified the middle infield.
The Braves even took a big swing at one of their division rivals’ top arms, making a strong push for Edwin Díaz. According to reports, Atlanta offered the All-Star closer a five-year deal - a clear sign they were willing to go big. Díaz ultimately chose the Dodgers, who also had a three-year offer on the table, but the Braves’ willingness to commit long-term shows how aggressive they’re being.
That near-miss with Díaz shouldn’t be viewed as a loss. If anything, it’s a statement.
Atlanta’s front office isn’t waiting around or playing it safe. They’re pushing chips in, armed with salary flexibility and a clear goal: build a roster that can go toe-to-toe with anyone in October.
With the core of Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, Austin Riley, and Ozzie Albies already in place, the Braves didn’t need to overhaul. But what they’re doing is tightening every screw, filling every hole, and building a roster with the kind of depth and firepower that wins playoff series.
If their pitching bounces back the way it’s projected to, and if Kim and Yastrzemski deliver as expected, the Braves might not just be NL East favorites - they could be one of the most balanced teams in baseball.