Braves' Offseason Strategy: Free Agents, Pitching Needs, and Profar's Future

Braves' Offseason Planning Post-NLDS Exit

The Atlanta Braves’ postseason came to an abrupt halt when they were ousted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS, ending their run in four games. Following this disappointment, Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos met with the press to outline his vision for the offseason and address key issues for the team.

Free Agency Conversations and Shortstop Dilemma

Anthopoulos revealed that the team plans to engage in discussions with their impending free agents as early as five days post-World Series. Among those free agents, Mauricio Dubon garnered particular praise from Anthopoulos, who expressed confidence in him as a shortstop option. The Braves’ infield dynamics have been scrutinized, especially since securing a reliable shortstop is a pressing need for the roster.

Dubon, who was traded from the Astros last year, played 153 games this season, recording a batting line of .276/.321/.399 with 12 home runs across 619 plate appearances. However, while he does offer versatility, there are questions regarding his defensive competence at shortstop. Statistically, Dubon boasts a +18 defensive rating in Outs Above Average over his 1,177 2/3 career innings at the position, yet the Defensive Runs Saved metric rates him at an average level.

Given this inconsistency, the Braves face a tough decision. One potential solution could involve signing Dubon while also bringing in another left-handed bat to share shortstop responsibilities. Rookie Jim Jarvis might fit this role adequately, which would allow Atlanta to navigate the thin shortstop market while allocating funds to address other critical areas.

Pursuing Stability in the Pitching Rotation

On the pitching front, Anthopoulos noted that re-signing Tyler Mahle is a strong possibility. Mahle, once acquired from the Giants, flourished after joining the Braves, posting a stellar 1.99 ERA over 54 1/3 innings in the regular season and maintaining a 1.35 ERA in the postseason. Keeping Mahle could solidify a rotation that dealt with several injury setbacks throughout the season.

The health of key pitchers like Spencer Strider and Spencer Schwellenbach remains a concern as they were sidelined for extended periods this year due to elbow issues. Anthopoulos emphasized the necessity of planning around their uncertain availability, stating, "it wouldn’t be responsible to assume they're going to start every game." The Braves will need to bolster their pitching staff to ensure they cover every inning effectively.

Rookie Didier Fuentes emerged as a promising reliever during his first full MLB season, and Anthopoulos hinted at the possibility of converting him into a starter. He mentioned, "We view him as a starter long-term," while recognizing the importance of managing Fuentes’ workload, especially given that he recently topped his career-high in innings pitched.

Jurickson Profar's Future Uncertain

The future of Jurickson Profar, who was sidelined for the 2026 season due to a PRP suspension, also came under scrutiny. Anthopoulos stated that deliberations about Profar's status would now begin, acknowledging that prior focus was on team operations rather than individual contracts. Profar, who initially signed a three-year, $42MM deal with the Braves, faced an 80-game suspension early in the season and has missed the entirety of the following season due to further disciplinary issues.

With one year and $15MM remaining on his contract, the Braves must weigh their options carefully. While Profar could address their needs in left field, his year-long absence from competitive play raises questions about his readiness and effectiveness. Should they choose to part ways with him, it would mean absorbing a significant financial hit, although much of his contract value has already been impacted by previous suspensions.

As the Braves navigate their offseason strategy, Anthopoulos faces a blend of opportunities and challenges. The decisions made in the coming weeks will shape the team's roster dynamics as they aim for a more fruitful campaign next season.