The Atlanta Braves are entering their final homestand of what has been a failure of a 2025 season. After their current series against the Washington Nationals, the Braves will host their final home series when the Pittsburgh Pirates visit Truist Park from Friday to Sunday.
While the offense has come to life in the final weeks of the season and the rotation will be healthier moving into next year, there is no question that the Braves' roster requires a major shakeup this winter. Even when Atlanta was healthy, manager Brian Snitker's lineup wasn't good enough to get the job done.
With that in mind, here are three Braves who are likely playing their last games in Truist Park's home dugout this weekend.
1. Marcell Ozuna, DH
There are still moments when Marcell Ozuna gives fans flashes of the force he has been in seasons past. It must also be noted that choosing to play through a hip injury (h/t The Athletic's David O'Brien) cannot be overlooked when talking about the offensive struggles. Still, it has been an uneven tenure for Ozuna in Atlanta with incredible highs and concerning lows. Even if you keep the discussion strictly on the field, there is some level of concern if you bring back the designated hitter for another season.
If things go awry again offensively, the Braves have zero value with Ozuna unable to play in the field and being unable to serve in a lesser role. With the World Series champion about to hit free agency, the best thing the Braves can do is turn the page and attempt to find a longer-term solution. Although Atlanta needs the energy Ozuna brings, they can't overlook the massive struggles this season, and all good partnerships eventually end.
A .233 batting average and a .758 OPS to go along with declining power numbers aren't getting the job done. Atlanta needs to turn the page and attempt to improve the consistency of the lineup by adding to the DH position in the offseason.
2. Bryce Elder, RHP
There is no denying the value that Bryce Elder has brought to the Braves' rotation this season based on a complete lack of other options. However, the moment the Braves are close to healthy, there is no question that it is time to pivot away from a starter who has a 5.36 ERA and has offered zero consistency throughout his career.
After making the All-Star game in his debut season, Elder has declined each year since. This led to an expected demotion that was reversed simply because the Braves had no other arm to fill innings. It is difficult to believe that some upgrades cannot be found in the offseason, especially given that he has a 10-15 record, minus-1.2 WAR, and 5.65 ERA since the start of 2024.
Whether it is a trade or simply turning the page on Elder, it is beyond clear that it is time to move on from a failing piece that no longer offers any upside.
3. Nick Allen, SS
The emergence of Ha-Seong Kim has put a wrinkle in Nick Allen's future as the Braves weigh the shortstop position. As incredible a defender as Allen might be, there simply isn't enough offense to justify running things back for another season. It seemed the one role the infielder might have a shot at retaining is as a bench option based on his speed and defense. This has grown complicated with Kim making an interesting case to be retained on his 2026 player option.
If that happens, the Braves still need to upgrade the shortstop position with a stronger offensive option, as they need more from the middle infield than what an incredibly depressing 2025 output has offered. With this in mind, it seems likely that Allen is going to find himself the odd man out if Kim is retained.
There's little chance of a return when you look at the Braves' bench projections and understand what they must add this winter. Allen's defensive gems will unquestionably be missed, though, even with Atlanta fans completely understanding the need for a change.