It is far from a hot take to point out that the Atlanta Braves' 2026 offseason is going to be defined by constant changes. Atlanta's implosion throughout the last three months demands an aggressive front office approach. One that illustrates you aren't content with this level of failure.
With this in mind, there are a number of players who should expect this September to be their final in Atlanta.
1. Sean Murphy
This is the only potentially controversial pick to make the list. However, there is no denying that Murphy's offensive performance at the end of the 2025 season is inviting speculation about his future. In the month of August, the veteran backstop has hit .085, putting up truly ugly at-bats. It continues a theme that dates back to the 2024 season of continual offensive regression. Add in the arrival of Drake Baldwin, and it is hard to argue against dumping Murphy's contract.
A trade either opens up money for you to add to another position of need or perhaps brings a player in return to fill a hole. Regardless, the move needs to be made even with the catcher still having years remaining on his deal. Trading Murphy sends a message that this level of offensive performance isn't going to be tolerated.
It also sets up the franchise to improve at other positions, giving the catcher a needed fresh start. Baldwin is able to take a breath and not look over his shoulder, understanding the organization is embracing him as the primary option. Leading to the next Atlanta slugger who is likely going to be playing for a new team in the 2026 season.
2. Marcell Ozuna
Ozuna hasn't finished any of the last three months hitting above the Mendoza line. This is as damaging of a stat as any. It illustrates just how frustrating the once-dominating hitter has been during what will be his final Atlanta season. Ozuna is slated to become a free agent at the end of the 2025 season. You simply cannot justify bringing back an aging hitter who isn't offering any production and has zero defensive upside.
If the Braves were forced to put Ozuna in the field, it would be due to a dire injury situation. The outfield defensive regression was incredibly clear during Ozuna's early Atlanta tenure. Now the offensive production is following suit. Rebuilding the Braves back into a contender is going to require difficult decisions.
This includes moving on from an emotional leader who is no longer producing at the required levels. Not only is the average plummeting, but the once-impressive power numbers are below league average as well. Whatever is wrong with Ozuna isn't something the Braves can attempt to fix, needing to add a more reliable offensive option. As important a figure as the veteran has been for energy in the clubhouse and providing power numbers, it is time to make a change.
3. Brian Snitker
There have been consistent rumors throughout the 2025 season that this will be manager Brian Snitker's final season. Atlanta fans have often been frustrated with Snitker's tendency to stick with struggling veterans or pivot away from starters a bit too late. However, there is no denying what Snitker has meant to the Braves organization. For nearly fifty years, the current manager has been with the Braves in some capacity.
It was the manager who gave the needed steadying leadership to help guide the Braves to a 2021 World Series win and survive the end of a difficult rebound at the end of the 2010s. With all of that said, there has been a consistent feeling that it is time for a change. Not only could Atlanta benefit from fresh energy, but it seems Snitker is ready to begin the next chapter.
Spending nearly five decades with one organization is truly an impressive accomplishment. It seems Snitker is ready to leave the past and move into the next stage of his career. While nothing is yet definite, the rumors have been consistent that this is likely it.
4. Bryce Elder
Watching Elder pitch is a very unique brand of frustrating. Just when it seems the right-hander is making his last start in the rotation, the starter finds a way to pitch a gem. The best example of this is a mid-August start when Elder gave up eight earned runs to the tanking Chicago White Sox. The very next game, the starter was solid against the Mets and followed this up with 7.0 innings of one-run ball against the Philadelphia Phillies.
The point here being the fact you simply cannot rely on Elder even if the flashes of potential are there. Having the veteran in the rotation is based purely on a complete lack of other options. Atlanta's rotation has been marred by injuries in a season when you're already attempting to replace Charlie Morton and Max Fried.
A big piece of turning the page on what has been a dumpster fire of a season is not allowing failing players to continue to take up roster spots. Even under team control, it is time to turn the page and allow Elder to find a new landing spot. The right-hander is 5-9 with a 5.85 ERA, further illustrating just how important it is that Atlanta turn the page.