The Atlanta Braves have nothing left to lose in the 2025 season, offering the team a unique ability. It is one of the few positives of the season being over after the All-Star break. Atlanta is able to sit back and shuffle pieces, figuring out who is ready to contribute to the 2026 team. The Braves aren't looking to rebuild, but simply need to reset, hoping for better health and results next season. Everything the Braves do in the next weeks should be in service of this, finding out if there are any unknown pieces in Gwinnett who can play their way into future plans.
With this in mind, the Braves should demote infielder Luke Williams in favor of a minor league option. Williams only offers value in his defensive ability and pinch running. These are roles Eli White can easily fill, with Stuart Fairchild offering additional speed off the bench. The Braves are carrying two situational replacements for a team that simply isn't winning meaningful games. Using the roster spot for a piece who could have a higher offensive upside is the right decision.
The Braves Should Demote Luke Williams
Carrying Williams made sense when the Braves were attempting to climb back into the postseason race. Now, the team is sitting ten games under .500 and has no reason to believe the season is going to turn around. It should be viewed as a lost season and a chance to reset for next year. All of this adds up to the franchise needing to demote a player who isn't needed on the current roster.
Allow Williams to get at-bats in Gwinnett and bring up a piece you believe could have a surprise upside. There simply isn't anything to lose, and it shows the team isn't content simply counting down the days of the season. Even in the frustrating situation the team finds itself in, there is immense value in the next two months.
The Braves are able to evaluate every piece without the pressure of needing to win games. Finishing strong would be ideal, but even more important is testing your depth and finding exactly what you will need to take a step back into relevance next season.