The Atlanta Braves are in the midst of a crucial offseason. They have been at least somewhat involved in the early stages of free agency and the hot stove season. Earlier this week, the Braves reached a deal with closer Raisel Iglesias on a one-year, $16 million contract, and then also traded away Nick Allen for Mauricio Dubon.
However, those can’t be the only moves the Braves make this offseason, and with a few pitchers on the staff who are dealing with injuries, such as Joe Jimenez, Grant Holmes, and AJ Smith-Shawver. If Atlanta wants to return to the MLB playoffs, it will have to do more in terms of free agent signings.
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Braves Should Target Pete Fairbanks
With the recent decision of the Tampa Bay Rays‘ recent decision to decline the option on reliever Pete Fairbanks, he is now a free agent. Fairbanks has been the subject of trade rumors for several seasons, and he’s now eligible for any MLB team to sign.
The Atlanta Braves should consider making a run at signing Pete Fairbanks. Aside from Robert Suarez and Edwin Diaz, Fairbanks might be the next best reliever option in the market.
Despite seeing a slight dip in velocity over recent seasons, Pete Fairbanks continues to be productive. He posted a 2.83 ERA in 60.1 innings.
He’s recorded 20+ saves in the last three seasons. The Braves just re-signed their closer in Raisel Iglesias, but Fairbanks has been used in a setup role in the past.
GettyPete Fairbanks
Fairbanks has had a weird variety of injuries since 2021, including shoulder inflammation, hip problems, and a forearm strain.
While it’s not enough not to sign Fairbanks, the injury issues may diminish his market value.
Some MLB insiders and analysts believe Fairbanks will reach a multi-year deal this offseason.
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Braves’ 2026 Bullpen Outlook
After locking up Raisel Iglesias to a contract, the Braves’ bullpen outlook is a little clearer. However, Atlanta’s front office still has a decision to make on right-handed reliever Pierce Johnson.
Dylan Lee is a valuable arm from the left side, and Daysbel Hernandez had a strong 2025 campaign.
General Manager Alex Anthoupolus has been on record as saying the bullpen remains a priority.
Another thing the Braves should look to address is depth in the starting rotation. Atlanta has a strong frontline rotation with Spender Schwellenbach and Chris Sale, but could afford to add another durable arm or two.
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