Braves Must Look Ahead To 2026 As Injuries And Uncertainty Shape The Future

The 2025 season has been a frustrating one for the Atlanta Braves. Once expected to be a National League powerhouse, the Braves have endured an underwhelming campaign marked by injuries, inconsistency, and questions about the roster’s future construction.

As the playoff picture fades, the focus inevitably shifts to 2026 — and with it, some major decisions about key players and the direction of the franchise.

From the outset, the Braves’ season took heavy hits. The pitching staff, expected to be a strength, was decimated by injuries. Opening Day rotation plans fell apart within weeks, forcing a complete overhaul and heavy reliance on depth starters and bullpen games. This instability has been one of the main reasons Atlanta has struggled to keep pace in the NL East.

While the offense has had flashes, injuries to core players and cold stretches from others have limited their ability to carry the club. Now, the front office faces several big calls this offseason.

Pierce Johnson – The Braves have a 2026 club option on the veteran right-hander, and they have reportedly been reluctant to deal players with club control beyond the current season.

Johnson, 34, is a notable addition to the summer bullpen market. He is making $7 million this year with a club option for 2026 at the same amount, carrying only a $250,000 buyout.

That is a very reasonable price for a pitcher in the midst of a career-best season. Johnson recently held Miami in check with Atlanta trailing 6-5 and was rewarded when his squad took the lead for good in the bottom of the seventh.

While he may have missed an opportunity to audition as closer when Raisel Iglesias was not traded, Johnson has remained one of Atlanta’s most trusted high-leverage arms. He has been scored upon just once since June 13, posting a 0.48 ERA, 0.75 WHIP, and a 19:3 K:BB over his last 19 outings (18.2 innings), with two wins and five holds.

Marcell Ozuna – The slugger is an impending free agent and one of the likeliest Braves to change hands this offseason. His bat remains productive, but with his age and defensive limitations, the team could decide to go younger at the designated hitter spot if they retool.

Ozzie Albies – The market for an average defensive second baseman coming off a poor offensive season is not expected to be robust. However, Albies is still only 29 next season, a three-time All-Star, and on a palatable deal. That combination will draw interest from clubs willing to gamble on his upside, though Atlanta will have to decide if he remains a central part of their plans.

Raisel Iglesias – Also an impending free agent, Iglesias is viewed as one of the team’s most likely trade chips. His experience and steady presence in the ninth inning could bring value back in a deal, though his age and contract will factor into the market.