Major League Baseball’s hot stove season has cooled down over the past few weeks, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t productive and talented players available in the free agent market still. The Atlanta Braves have been active thus far, spending money on valuable players like Raisel Iglesias and Robert Suarez. However, Atlanta is still awaiting the decisions of a few key free agents of their own.
Most notably, Marcell Ozuna is on the open market, and the Braves have a pair of relievers in Tyler Kinley and Pierce Johnson, who have also not decided where they will play in 2026. Kinley had a strong finish to the 2025 season, which may grant him a payday.
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The relief pitcher market has certainly become very dry, as all the top arms from the bullpen in MLB have already decided where they will pitch in 2026.
But there are still valuable players that can sign low-cost deals and still make an impact next season. Tyler Kinley is certainly one of those guys who can make an impact on several teams.
In a recent Bleacher Report article by writer Joel Reuter, Tyler Kinely is named as the best right-handed reliever available this offseason:
GettyWASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 16: Pitcher Tyler Kinley #45 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates after an out of in the ninth inning of game two of a split doubleheader against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on September 16, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
“Kinley was virtually unhittable following a summer trade to the Braves, posting a 0.72 ERA, 0.68 WHIP and six holds in 24 appearances, and it was somewhat surprising to see Atlanta decline a $5.5 million club option. The 34-year-old had 20 saves during his six seasons with the Rockies, so he has high-leverage experience, though he profiles best as a setup option on a contender.”
Behind Tyler Kinley in the right-handed relief rankings were Michael Kopech and Seranthony Dominguez.
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The last remaining free agents that the Atlanta Braves have are Tyler Kinley, Marcell Ozuna, and Pierce Johnson.
Johnson is another arm like Tyler that might be able to provide some value to a team on a low-cost deal.
As for the Ozuna free agency sweepstakes, it seems to be a slow-burning process, and there’s been no indication when he will sign. The Braves may have already begun preparing for life after Ozuna after signing outfielder Mike Yastrzemski.
The two relievers the Braves sent to free agency should have decent-sized markets, but Kinley’s track record and career numbers aren’t the best.
It’s hard to blame all of it on Kinley because he did spend six seasons with the Rockies, but his career ERA is 4.75, and he has had a few seasons where he’s had a hard time staying on the field.
Pierce Johnson is another product who pitched at Coors Field before his tenure with Atlanta. He’s someone the Braves might want to consider holding onto, or at least making a strong offer for. In 2025, Johnson posted a 3.05 ERA over 59 innings.
The Braves have Iglesias and Suarez locked up, and other options in the bullpen, so Pierce Johnson’s leverage role would subside, which likely would lead to better numbers from the 34-year-old reliever.
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