The Atlanta Braves have already made a handful of splashy moves this offseason, signing outfielder Mike Yastrzemski and former closer Robert Suarez. The front office re-signed Raisel Iglesias and Ha-Seong Kim as well, giving the roster a much-needed facelift heading into the New Year. Still, there is no shortage of potential moves that the franchise could make.
With this in mind, there are clear pieces that could still be jettisoned either before the season or a midseason trade, whether it's because they're on an expiring contract or are likely to underperform. That's why there's a good chance that these three Braves will be leaving Atlanta at some time in 2026.
1. Bryce Elder, RHP
Bryce Elder pitched more innings than any Brave in the 2025 season and showed exactly why the franchise must turn the page in the next few weeks. The right-hander might throw a gem one outing only to be unable to make it three innings against a mediocre lineup in his next. Atlanta's need for reliable depth was made clear in the rotation's 2025 struggles, and Elder was a huge piece of this. The starter finished the year 8-11 with a 5.30 ERA in 28 starts. He now has only 10 wins in 38 games since the start of 2024 after posting a career-high 12 in 2023 alone.
It simply is hard to form any viable argument that Elder should return if the Braves are serious about playing winning baseball. Elder's contract could be easily dumped in a trade with a rebuilding franchise desperate to eat innings. While the pitcher's hot start is growing less compelling by the day, he does have the fact that he was an All-Star in his rookie season working for him as well.
For Atlanta, now is the time to push away all failing pieces and look to rebuild what was a winning culture. A big piece of that is parting ways with players like Elder, who simply cannot be relied on if forced into action.
2. Daysbel Hernandez, RHP
In that same vein, the Braves have already upgraded the bullpen and pushed Daysbel Hernandez out of the team's plans for the 2026 season. If Atlanta brings in another starter as expected, all of a sudden, you have one of the league's deepest pens with Grant Holmes and Reynaldo Lopez both moving into the Atlanta bullpen. With the pending return of Joe Jimenez and the addition of Suarez, there is no longer a spot for Hernandez on the Atlanta roster.
A big piece of this is that an uneven 2025 performance made it clear Atlanta cannot trust the reliever moving forward. What is so maddening about watching Hernandez is the fact that you might see three straight shutout appearances, only to be followed by endless walks and a pitcher who has zero chance of getting outs or finding the strike zone. That volatility is exactly why the Braves should turn the page.
While the reliever's exit might wait until spring training to ensure health and sufficient depth, there is zero question that he is living on borrowed time. The 2026 season is going to end with Hernandez off the roster and attempting to rebuild value in a new landing spot.
3. Eli White, OF
While the Braves have agreed to terms with Eli White this offseason, they spelled the end of his time with the franchise as well by signing Yastrzemski. For White to have a chance to start the 2026 season on the roster, he must prove his value as a pinch runner, replacement defender, and beat out any other contenders Atlanta brings in to compete for the final bench spot. Even if this happens and the Braves start the season with White on the roster, it is unlikely to end that way.
The outfielder is a clear trade chip for a team in need of outfield depth, so the Braves are likely to part ways with the speedster before the end of the 2026 season. While White has time to change minds, there will be very few avenues to do so. As long as Atlanta's outfield starts the season healthy, there is next to no path for the backup to make an impact.
This makes it clear that the two sides appear destined to part ways this season, with Atlanta looking to upgrade its bench and make a 2026 push to return to postseason contention.