1, Ha Seong Kim
It seems very unlikely that the Braves are going to bring back Kim based on the uneven season the shortstop offered. While the infielder came on strong over the final months of the year, there is no denying that it was a contract bust. Atlanta is likely going to go in a very different direction, barring postseason heroics from the infielder that make it impossible not to pivot in another direction.
2. Raisel Iglesias
What the Braves are going to do here is a bit less clear, as Robert Suarez is under contract but has spent a large portion of the final months of the year injured. Iglesias is going to be 37 next season and has been either dominating or very much struggled for long stretches. Whether or not you want Iglesias re-signed simply depends on which numbers you want to focus on.
3. Ronald Acuna Jr. (Club Option)
The Braves have $17 million options for each of the next two seasons, and there really isn't any serious question about whether or not they will be used. Acuna is going to be in Atlanta at least for two more years, with the hope being that an extension agreement will be reached sometime over the next year that keeps the future locked up.
4. Tyler Mahle
It seems likely that Mahle isn't going to be brought back, with two very clear scenarios playing out. Either Mahle is going to go on an impressive postseason run and play his way out of Atlanta's price range, or an underwhelming performance will leave other options far more appealing. It simply doesn't seem likely Mahle will return to Atlanta next season.
5. Joe Jimenez
The tenure of Jimenez was defined by injuries and consistent frustrations around an inability to be on the field. It is time for a change of scenery for both sides, and hope Jimenez is able to put his career back on track. The only scenario it makes sense is if it is an incredible bargain and the Braves signed the reliever for next to nothing.
6. Mauricio Dubon
The utility superstar is having a career year in nearly every category and has been incredibly important to Atlanta's NL East winning run. The issue with Dubon is the fact that you're taking a clear risk if you opt to pay the veteran off a career season, while parting ways with such an important piece could mean regret.
7. Lane Thomas
The former division rival has been a solid bench bat, but the numbers are far from eye-popping. It makes sense that the Braves will likely turn the page and bring in another cheap option to replace the right-handed hitter.
8. Ozzie Albies (Team Option)
Albies had a solid 2026 performance after two years being defined by injuries and frustrations at the plate. There is no doubt the Braves are going to pick up this option and might explore a possible extension. As the longest tenured Brave, and an important piece to keeping Acuna there simply is no reason to make any changes.
9. Martin Perez
If thesouthpaw wants to continue playing, there is no downside to bringing back the starter on a cheap deal. With the numerous injuries to the rotation and the need for long relief options, the Braves should consider the cheap re-signing.
10. Brent Suter
Much of what was written about Perez could be pointed out about Suter as well. The counter here is the lesser contributions from a trade deadline addition that simply is easily replaced. The Braves could bring Suter back, but there is no question that finding a replacement would be easy.
11. Dominic Smith
Smith's production has waned down the stretch of the regular season, but there is a lot of love in Braves country for early-season heroics. It wouldn't be shocking to see the two sides reach an agreement and allow Smith to be bench depth and a pinch-hitting option.
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