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Top offseason trade targets for the Braves: Shortstops
The Braves’ offseason trade wishlist zeroes in on shortstop, with five candidates highlighted. All‑Star Jeremy Peña (Astros) tops the board, offering a .300 average and 800+ OPS while potentially becoming trade‑able if Houston rebuilds. Veteran Corey Seager (Rangers) brings a .860 career OPS but carries injury concerns and a $155 million contract through age 37. Young Angel Zach Neto (26, 5+ WAR/season) is under team control until 2030, though his price in prospects would be steep. Orioles’ Gunnar Henderson, a former 8.8 WAR MVP finisher now at 3.2 WAR, could fetch a "king’s ransom." Finally, Marlins’ Otto Lopez, fresh off a 6.1 WAR, .300‑average season, is also under contract through 2030. The piece assesses each player’s value and the likely cost for Atlanta.
Braves add another former GM to their front office
The Atlanta Braves have bolstered their front office by rehiring two former executives as senior advisers to amateur scouting. Former Astros GM Dana Brown—who helped the Braves win a World Series and discover Michael Harris II, Spencer Strider, and Tyler Matzek during his 2019‑22 stint—returns alongside ex‑Angels GM Perry Minasian, a former Braves assistant GM (2017‑20). Both will work with scouting VP Ronit Shah, leveraging their respected talent‑evaluation skills despite mixed results as general managers. Their combined experience contributed to Atlanta’s seven division titles and a 2021 World Series triumph.
James Pearce Jr. might not play Sunday, other Falcons injury updates
James Pearce Jr. drops from "play‑able" to questionable after a minor back flare‑up, coach Kevin Stefanski says, leaving the Falcons unsure of his status for Sunday’s game in Madrid against the Bengals. The team already lost pass rusher Samson Ebukam to IR and still misses RB Brian Robinson Jr. with a hamstring. Meanwhile, safety Billy Bowman Sr. and linebacker Divine Deablo may return. With the Falcons at 3‑5 in the NFC South, missing Pearce could jeopardize their chances against Joe Burrow and set up a tough stretch against the Chiefs, Vikings and Lions.
Former Braves GM John Coppolella on wild trade he tried for Aaron Judge
Former Braves GM John Coppolella reveals a 2014 trade he once pitched to the Yankees that would have sent Jason Heyward to New York in exchange for Aaron Judge, Luis Severino, Gary Sanchez, Ian Clarkin and Manny Banuelos. The Yankees passed, leading Atlanta to acquire Shelby Miller and Tyrell Jenkins from the Cardinals, which later turned into the #1 pick Dansby Swanson and a key role for Luke Jackson in the 2021 World Series run. Coppolella, now reinstated and writing for Baseball America, reflects on how the blocked blockbuster could have reshaped the Braves' offensive firepower before Judge even debuted.
Braves: This is a crazy list for Tate Southisene to be on
Tate Southisene, the 19‑year‑old Braves prospect who posted a .929 OPS in Low‑A Augusta and an .800‑plus OPS in Rome before reaching Double‑A Columbus, has shocked Baseball America by landing at #8 on its top‑10 dynasty second basemen list. While his numbers lag behind teammate Eric Hartman’s early‑season surge, the Braves’ rapid promotions signal huge upside. The article notes Southisene’s positional flexibility—currently listed as a second baseman but still raw defensively—and stresses that Atlanta may still pursue a shortstop via trade, making his future intrigue a key storyline for the 2027 season.
Ranking the Atlanta Braves top trade chips entering the offseason
The Braves, after a 94‑win season and just one playoff series win since their 2021 World Series, face a pivotal offseason as key contracts expire. Ozzie Albies has one year left, Ronald Acuña Jr. hits free agency in two, Matt Olson ages, and Chris Sale may be near retirement. SportsTalk ATL ranks the team’s top trade chips: 5️⃣ JR Ritchie (23, 4.91 ERA), 4️⃣ Cam Caminiti (Double‑A standout with a 2.01 ERA), 3️⃣ Eric Hartman (five‑tool prospect, 24 HR/38 SB in Rome), 2️⃣ Tate Southisene (19, near‑1.000 OPS in AFL), and 1️⃣ Ronald Acuña Jr., who the Braves are unlikely to move unless a "Godfather" offer appears. The piece weighs each asset’s value as Atlanta decides whether to rebuild or chase another championship.
Rookies Kingston Flemings, Zuby Ejiofor making early statements for the Hawks
Rookies Kingston Flemings and Zuby Ejiofor are already making their presence felt for the Atlanta Hawks. In a 120-105 win over Washington, 8th‑overall pick Flemings started, shooting 6‑for‑9 (2‑for‑2 from three) for 14 points, four assists and zero turnovers in 23 minutes, and he’s averaging 8.0 points on over 50% shooting and nearly five assists in just 21 minutes per game. Late first‑rounder Ejiofor added 11 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals in 17 minutes against the Wizards, showcasing his high‑energy defense and hustle. Both promising newcomers could become key rotation pieces as the season progresses.
Bleacher Report predicts Braves land two marquee free agents
Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly predicts the Braves could land two marquee free agents in the upcoming market. He ranks Adrian Morejón (6) as a potential four‑year, $80 million reliever for Atlanta, though the Padres’ qualifying offer complicates the deal. Kelly also sees veteran left‑hander Sonny Gray (11) signing a two‑year, $50 million contract, mirroring recent Braves deals for aging arms. Meanwhile, closer Raisel Iglesias and starter Tyler Mahle are likely to leave, headed to Detroit and Houston respectively. The predictions highlight Atlanta’s aggressive bullpen spending despite budget and draft‑pick penalties.
Baseball America announces top 10 prospects in Braves system
Baseball America unveils the Atlanta Braves' top 10 prospects ahead of the 2027 offseason. 20‑year‑old Eric Hartman leads the list after a breakout High‑A season in Rome with 24 homers and 38 steals, despite a dip in Double‑A. Pitching ace Cam Caminiti rebounds midseason to post a 2.01 ERA and a strikeout‑per‑inning rate in Double‑A Columbus. Teen phenom Tate Southisene shines across Low‑A, High‑A and Double‑A before a hand injury, then hits .341 with a .914 OPS in the Arizona Fall League. The next tier features 2026 draft outfielders AJ Gracia (injured) and Carter Beck (.409 average in 11 games), high‑school arms Kaiden McCarthy and Jensen Hirschkorn, fourth‑rounder Briggs McKenzie (2.08 ERA in limited action), John Gil ( .812 OPS after promotion), and MLB‑experienced Owen Murphy (5 games, 6.00 ERA).
Report: Braves to retain entire coaching staff
The Atlanta Braves will keep every member of their coaching staff for the 2027 season, according to a source cited by The Athletic's Jesus Cano. Despite losing most of their rotation early last year, Walt Weiss guided the club to a 94‑win NL East title, earning a strong case for NL Manager of the Year. While pitching coach Jeremy Hefner garners praise, hitting coach Tim Hyers faces criticism as the Braves cling to a power‑first offense, a philosophy many deem outdated.
What should the Braves do at each position going into 2027
As free agency heats up and a potential lockout looms, SportsTalk ATL outlines the Braves’ must‑do moves for the 2027 offseason. The biggest need is adding at least one proven starter—ideally two—to bolster a rotation that currently relies on only three reliable arms. With Raisel Iglesias heading to free agency and Didier Fuentes likely shifting to the rotation, the bullpen also requires fresh high‑leverage help. In the lineup, left field must be upgraded as Jurickson Profar faces a second PED suspension, and the long‑standing shortstop vacancy could be filled by a trade for names like Gunnar Henderson or Jeremy Peña. Catcher Sean Murphy is a trade candidate, while the core of Matt Olson, Ozzie Albies and Austin Riley is expected to stay put.
Gunnar Henderson Is the Blockbuster the Braves Need to Chase
The Braves are eyeing Baltimore’s shortstop Gunnar Henderson as a potential blockbuster trade to finally fix their long‑standing shortstop hole. Henderson, a 26‑year‑old who posted 8.8 WAR two seasons ago and finished fourth in AL MVP voting, could provide an All‑Star‑caliber upgrade and years of control. Atlanta would likely need to surrender top prospects like Eric Hartman, Cam Caminiti, and Tate Southisene, plus possibly MLB‑ready arms such as A.J. Smith‑Shawver or JR Ritchie. With the Orioles planning a winter overhaul—trading everyone except Pete Alonso—Henderson emerges as the marquee target that could reshape Atlanta’s win‑now roster.
Falcons place critical defensive piece on Injured Reserve
The Atlanta Falcons place defensive end Samson Ebukam on Injured Reserve after a lingering hamstring injury that first surfaced in Week 2. Ebukam, who posted 11 tackles, 2.5 sacks and nine QB hits this season, is sidelined indefinitely, leaving the defensive line thinner amid recent struggles against the run. In response, the team signs DE Drake Jackson to the practice squad and releases OL Colby Sorsdal. With James Pearce Jr. cleared from suspension and Jalon Walker out for the year, the Falcons face mounting pressure to shore up their defense and revive a postseason‑starved campaign.
Falcons playoff chances plummet following a disastrous loss to the Bucs
The Falcons’ playoff hopes nosedive after a 0‑point shutout loss to the Buccaneers on Sunday, where Michael Penix Jr. threw four interceptions and the defense allowed 324 rushing yards. The defeat drops Atlanta to a +265 NFC South odds, trailing Tampa Bay (+184) and Carolina (+200). After a week‑earlier win over the 49ers, the Falcons now face a tough stretch: a game in Madrid against the Bengals, a home showdown with the Chiefs, then a bye before meetings with the Vikings, Lions, Commanders and Browns. To stay alive, they’ll need multiple upsets in the second half of the season.
Braves: Which players given qualifying offers are actually worth it?
As free agency opens, eight Braves free agents received one‑year, $23.15 million qualifying offers, but signing any would cost Atlanta its second‑ and fifth‑round picks plus $1 million in international bonus money. The article weighs each name: Jake Bauers, despite a breakout year, is deemed not worth the cost; relievers David Bednar and Adrián Morejón are also ruled out. Outfielders Randy Arozarena and Seiya Suzuki carry All‑Star talent but their age, projected $100 M contracts, and draft penalties make them unattractive. Only left‑handed starter Trevor Rogers is seen as a worthwhile gamble for a potential ace.
ESPN’s contract projections for Braves free agents
ESPN analyst Kiley McDaniel estimates the Braves’ three key free agents will command big money: right‑hander Tyler Mahle—3 years, $49.5 M after a dramatic 1.99 ERA surge in Atlanta; utility infielder Mauricio Dubon—2 years, $16 M despite a thin shortstop market; and closer Raisel Iglesias—1 year, $14 M after a 2.55 ERA and 34 saves at age 36. The projections highlight Atlanta’s dilemma of balancing budget constraints with the desire to retain these performers as they shape next season’s roster.
Former Astros GM Dana Brown returns to the Braves
Dana Brown returns to the Atlanta Braves as a senior advisor to amateur scouting, reuniting with GM Alex Anthopoulos. The move, confirmed by The Athletic, follows Brown's departure from the Astros earlier this season. During his 2019‑2022 stint with Atlanta, Brown helped secure future stars like Michael Harris II, Spencer Strider and Tyler Matzek, contributing to the Braves' World Series win. Anthopoulos praised Brown's conviction in drafting and signing talent, noting their 20‑year working relationship across three clubs. The hire is billed as a significant boost to the Braves' front office.
Top offseason trade targets for the Braves: Starting Pitchers
The Braves’ offseason focus shifts to bolstering a deep rotation as the free‑agent market for starters remains strong. Alex Anthopoulos could target Seattle’s pitchers—George Kirby, Emerson Hancock, Bryce Miller or Bryan Woo—though a trade would likely require a pricey package of stars like Sean Murphy or Austin Riley. Jacob deGrom, still a 39‑year‑old ace with a 3.11 FIP, may revisit a deal with Texas, while MacKenzie Gore and Reid Detmers emerge as affordable, high‑upside options from the Rangers and Angels. The Rays’ Drew Rasmussen, coming off a 2.71 ERA and a $20 million club option, stands out as the premier trade candidate if Tampa Bay opts to move him.
Falcons latest roster moves and injury updates
The Falcons enter Monday’s trip to Madrid for a showdown with the Cincinnati Bengals missing both Samson Ebukam and Zachariah Branch, who are out with hamstring injuries. Meanwhile, James Pearce Jr.’s suspension is lifted, returning the star pass rusher to the lineup. Atlanta, already strong in pressure with 18 sacks through eight games, hopes Pearce will boost that total. The team also released defensive end Drake Jackson and linebacker Jared Ivey.
Braves claim Mitchell Parker off waivers
The Atlanta Braves have claimed left‑handed reliever Mitchell Parker off waivers from Washington. Over three seasons Parker logged 355.1 innings with a 5.19 ERA, but his 2026 numbers ballooned to a 6.58 ERA in just 39.2 innings. He throws in the low‑90s and faces InternalBrace surgery that will likely sideline most of 2027. Arbitration‑eligible at roughly $1 million, Parker could be non‑tendered, yet the Braves see value in his controllable contract and history of reviving pitchers. The move adds depth but his return is a long‑term gamble.
Predicting which top free agents the Braves will sign
With MLB free agency in full swing, the Braves are poised for swift moves before a December 1 lockout. General manager Alex Anthopoulos favors early signings, and analysts predict a focus on mid‑tier starters and versatile role players. MLB Trade Rumors link Sonny Gray (2‑yr, $55M), Tyler Mahle (3‑yr, $54M), Clay Holmes (3‑yr, $45M), Mauricio Dubon (2‑yr, $18M) and Raisel Iglesias (1‑yr, $17M) to Atlanta. The Athletic’s Jim Bowden adds Randy Arozarena, Dubon, Iglesias and Hiromi Itoh as top fits, with Arozarena projected at about $100M for a four‑year deal despite his age. SportsTalk ATL also predicts deals for Trevor Rogers, Dubon and Michael Soroka, emphasizing rotation depth as Chris Sale’s possible final year looms.
The most disappointing aspect of the Falcons’ debacle against the Bucs
The Falcons’ 16‑point loss to the Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium exposed deeper flaws than just quarterback Michael Penix Jr.’s disastrous outing (8‑of‑24, 0 TD, 4 INT, 12.0 passer rating). While the rain‑soaked game forced Tampa Bay to attempt just three passes, Atlanta’s coaching staff—Kevin Stefanski and Tommy Rees— persisted with a pass‑heavy plan, leaving Penix vulnerable. More troubling, the Falcons were out‑matched physically: Tampa rushed 56 times for 324 yards (6.0 yards per carry) while Atlanta failed to reach 100 yards on the ground, despite a season‑long reputation for line‑of‑scrimmage dominance. The defeat raises serious doubts about the team’s direction and coaching changes eight games into Stefanski’s tenure.
Jurickson Profar comes out of hiding for first time since suspension
Jurickson Profar finally appears on the field, going 2-for-4 for Tiburones de La Guaira in the Venezuelan Winter League, marking his first public outing since serving a 162‑game PED ban that wiped out the 2026 season. After a period of silence that even led Ronald Acuña Jr. to criticize his absence, Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos acknowledges the team must decide the future of Profar, who is owed $15 million for 2027 regardless of his status. The club faces a dilemma between recouping value from a seasoned player and upholding its cultural standards after Profar’s repeated cheating allegations. The outcome will determine whether Atlanta absorbs the sunk‑cost contract or cuts ties despite the financial hit.
Contract projections revealed for Mauricio Dubon, Raisel Iglesias
Jim Bowden of The Athletic projects free‑agent contracts for Braves targets Mauricio Dubon and Raisel Iglesias. Bowden spins Dubon at a two‑year, $16 million deal, but notes his Gold‑Glove defense and 2.0 WAR average could push the market value toward $20‑30 million amid a potential bidding war. Reliever Iglesias is projected to earn $17 million for one year—a figure matching his recent extension after an All‑Star 2026—though age and the emergence of Robert Suarez may make the Braves hesitant. Both players could return, but price tags will be decisive.
Who should the Falcons consider trading ahead of the deadline?
The Falcons sit at 3-4, a half-game behind the Panthers, and face the NFL trade deadline with a potential move on cornerback Mike Hughes. Fox Sports lists Hughes as a trade candidate, noting a swap could open a larger role for rookie Aveon Terrell, especially once A.J. Terrell returns from injury. However, analysts argue the secondary’s health issues and Hughes' limited return value make a trade unlikely, suggesting Atlanta will retain him for depth as they chase a playoff debut since 2017.
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