The Atlanta Braves have endured a season full of setbacks—issues they’ll likely want to leave behind once it’s over. Looking ahead to 2026, the club appears ready for a reset, with potential changes in major roles, including the anticipated retirement of manager Brian Snitker.
“Given Atlanta’s recent run of success, Snitker might normally be given a pass for this year’s struggles—even though tumbling from the second-best preseason World Series odds to possibly near the draft lottery is no small stumble,” wrote Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller. “At 69, though, he’s already the oldest skipper in the NL by several years, and with his contract ending, retirement always seemed likely.”
One player whose future in Atlanta is uncertain is Raisel Iglesias, acquired at the 2022 trade deadline.
“We don’t know if Iglesias’ asking price will climb to a level that makes Alex Anthopoulos hesitate,” noted FanSided’s Christopher Kline. “The Braves usually extend players before free agency to avoid costly bidding wars, so the fact Iglesias is hitting the open market—even after avoiding a trade deadline move—doesn’t bode well.
After two average years and with organizational change coming, Atlanta may step aside from the Iglesias sweepstakes and turn to younger, possibly in-house, options.”
Iglesias has had his struggles this season, though he found his stride in August.
“Reliever Raisel Iglesias was just named the National League Reliever of the Month for his strong August,” wrote Demetrius Bell of Battery Power.
Even so, the Braves rarely dive deep into free agency spending. Iglesias will likely seek a sizable contract, and if this year hints at decline, it wouldn’t be smart for Atlanta to commit heavily. Still, his departure could prove costly.
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