The Atlanta Braves are heading into an offseason when it appears there will be plenty of roster turnover. This is based on the concerning results of the 2025 season, as well as the number of free agents who are scheduled to hit the market once the offseason officially begins. With this in mind, fans should expect to say goodbye to several key pieces that plainly need to be moved on from if Atlanta is serious about rebuilding.
This obviously isn't the case for some pieces, as Chris Sale and Ozzie Albies both already have had their team options exercised for the 2026 season. Two obvious decisions that keep two key starters on the team. However, that isn't the case for much of the roster, with three key players standing out as pieces who are no longer a fit.
1. Marcell Ozuna
It can be difficult to pass judgment on Ozuna's tenure with the Braves based on how drastically different his performance was from beginning to end. There was a time when the slugger was the best hitter in the lineup after being so objectively awful that Atlanta was considering absorbing the contract and cutting the problematic hitter. Instead, manager Brian Snitker remained patient, and it paid off with an incredible run from the former outfielder.
Ozuna was great in the 2023 and 2024 seasons before hitting a wall this past year and again becoming an offensive liability. All the numbers fell in the wrong direction, with the lack of consistent power being the most concerning. It is time for the Braves to find another answer at the position and look at free agency for a more consistent offensive source. Ozuna's time in Atlanta was mixed, but it is clear that it is the right time to turn the page.
2. Charlie Morton
Morton being brought back to possibly end his career with the franchise that started it all was a fitting farewell. That is exactly what the short season-ending start was for a veteran who had a rough go of things with the Baltimore Orioles and Detroit Tigers. Father Time has finally caught up with one of the more underrated starters over the last decade. Starting his career and coming back to win a World Series with the Braves clearly made ending his career with the franchise the correct move.
There should be zero consideration of bringing back a pitcher who appears to be heading for retirement. Even if the starter opted to make a surprise return, it shouldn't be in Atlanta. Morton's story with the Braves has come to an end, one that will be forever remembered for his role in the 2021 World Series run.
3. Luke Williams
There were times when Williams was legitimately Atlanta's best emergency relief option. This speaks to just how awful the bullpen truly was when your utility infielder is a better option than actual relievers. Still, it was a waste of a bench spot to have Williams on the team for much of the season and be afraid to allow him to see at-bats.
Williams is such an incapable hitter that Atlanta was reduced to using his roster spot only for pinch-running or as a defensive replacement. This is obviously far from ideal when you already have limited offensive options off the bench.
Winning teams don't put up with this level of performance and continue to keep said player on the roster. In fact, winning teams typically don't put themselves in positions to be forced into decisions like that at all. Atlanta finally realized this at the end of the season and will turn the page from the utility option and part-time reliever.