To expect several changes ahead of the Atlanta Braves' 2026 season is a safe bet. So many failing pieces and Band-Aids have been used in an attempt to limp to the end of the season. There is going to be a lot of turnover if the Braves' front office is serious about attempting to return to contention. With this in mind, that will mean saying goodbye to fan favorites who simply aren't getting it done over the last months of the season.
There are several obvious pieces included in this that are failed reclamation projects. However, some decisions will be a bit tougher, starting with a slugger who has so often set the tone for the Braves' offense.
1. Marcell Ozuna, DH
It is time to say goodbye to one of the biggest sources of energy in the Atlanta lineup. The decision isn't being taken lightly; however, the most telling piece of this is the fact that Ozuna didn't have a trade market ahead of the deadline. Atlanta was obviously attempting to sell, and the franchise simply didn't have pieces worth buying. This includes Ozuna, whose season-long slump dates back to late spring.
Slated to hit free agency at the end of the year, the Braves cannot afford to re-sign the question mark that is Ozuna. As much as his presence has been valued over the past seasons, it is time to turn the page. Bringing the veteran slugger back is signing up for another season of unknown production while understanding there is zero defensive upside from the aging hitter.
Ozuna's outfield defense regressed to the point that he was impossible to keep in the field. Add in the awful offensive numbers from this season, and Atlanta needs to make the difficult decision to move on. There are far more interesting options for the designated hitter spot that will give the Braves a chance to find more consistency in the lineup.
2. Nick Allen, SS
It is important to clarify here that if Allen were used as a defensive replacement or as a speed option at the end of the Braves bench, it wouldn't be a bad decision. The issue here is that Atlanta cannot afford to go into the 2026 season with such an offensive liability at the shortstop position. While Ha-Seong Kim has taken over a lot of the starting reps as of late, Allen spent the bulk of the year as the team's primary starter.
This was rewarded with endless defensive plays that left the Braves and their fans making excuses for Allen's inability to reach the Mendoza line in the second half. Seeing such incredible defense on consistent display made pulling the infielder out of the starting lineup difficult. Still, the Braves are serious about contending next year, but they cannot continue to start such an offensive black hole.
Allen has zero power at the plate and isn't able to consistently put the ball in play with authority. As much as the 26-year-old SS battles, the results remain frustratingly underwhelming. A contending team cannot start this level of hitter and expect positive results. As much as Allen's defense will be missed, it is the only decision.
3. Bryce Elder, RHP
Yes, Bryce Elder makes this list despite pitching at least 6.1 innings, allowing one earned run or less in his last three starts. Facing the Philadelphia Phillies once and the Chicago Cubs twice, the performances haven't been against bad teams. Still, the Braves cannot continue to roster a player who goes through long periods of throwing batting practice to the opposing lineup. As great as Elder has been of late, it simply has zero chance of lasting.
The Braves now have years of evidence that tells them exactly what to expect, such as a 7-9 record with a 5.35 ERA on the season. This isn't inflated by a handful of bad outings or a couple of poor nights. Elder has been consistently hit hard this season and often left the Atlanta lineup with no chance of battling back.
It is overdue to jettison the starter, but the Braves have kept him around based on endless injuries ruining the projected rotation. With this in mind, expect Atlanta to turn the page and attempt to find a more reliable depth option to replace the inconsistent Elder.
4. Jarred Kelenic, OF
For Braves fans who have forgotten or perhaps suppressed, Kelenic remains in the Atlanta system, currently starting with the Gwinnett Stripers.
Heading into 2025, the outfielder was expected to earn a chance to start and rebound from a miserable finish from a season ago. Somehow, the at-bats grew uglier, and even with Jurickson Profar suspended, the Braves had no choice but to demote the struggling hitter. Things were bad enough that Kelenic wasn't reaching the Mendoza line and was making basic baserunning mistakes.
There was a level of hope that a demotion would bring the left fielder's bat back to life. When Kelenic first joined the Braves at the start of the 2024 season, the results in the outfield and at the plate were exciting. Frustratingly, the former Seattle Mariner imploded and left the franchise with no choice but to move on after it continued this season.
Playing with the Stripers, Kelenic is hitting .216 with a .601 OPS while facing minor league pitching. This is as telling as anything of where the offseason is heading for the Braves' bust. A return would be shocking, to say the least.