As 2025 continues, the Atlanta Braves are widely regarded as the one team who has disappointed the most. The Braves were among the top teams favored to win the World Series, but now have a 0.04% chance of making the playoffs. Atlanta did not trade away some of its biggest stars before the deadline, which surprised many. However, the Braves may have no choice.
Braves May Need to Field Trade Offers on Their Current Stars
The Braves Farm System Lacks Young Stars Badly
In 2026, the Braves can easily compete again, depending on a few factors. First, Atlanta’s injured rotation should come back to full and powerful strength, which could help Atlanta massively in 2026. Not to mention, some players could have much better seasons in 2026, including Spencer Strider. Secondly, the Braves have lacked production from their stars over the last couple of seasons, which could change next season. The Braves could fix themselves relatively quickly if these factors are fixed.
However, the Braves have seen a steady fall from their World Series glory, as in 2024, the Braves showed cracks and then collapsed in 2025. If Atlanta loses players like Marcell Ozuna, it could warrant a rebuild around younger talent. Unfortunately, the Braves have only one player in the top 100 prospects, a 19-year-old pitcher. Other than some current players on the roster, Atlanta lacks significant young offensive talent. This definitely puts the future of the Braves at risk, especially if bad things continue to happen to the team.
Atlanta May Need to Trade Away Stars for A Big Return
Atlanta has a few players whom they could trade in order to get some return. Sean Murphy may be a very intriguing target for a team who is in need of a catcher who has both power and defense. With the rise of Drake Baldwin, the Braves don’t need to worry about the position too much if Murphy is traded. The Braves could also trade away Ozzie Albies, who has played inconsistently over the last few seasons. Albies has superstar potential, but just hasn’t shown much of that since the beginning of 2024.
Even with underperformance, many teams may pay a lot for a player who can be a superstar. Atlanta isn’t in a do-or-die situation, but in order to prevent the team from collapsing in the future, building the team around their younger core could very well help the Braves remain a juggernaut for years to come. At the moment, Atlanta’s offense feels like an offense that could collapse without some help– younger help.
Many Teams May Give a Lot for Atlanta’s Stars
Atlanta may, in the end, not need to trade away its superstars or even stars. However, if the Braves decide that a younger team is needed, then Atlanta may be able to get a lot in return for some stars. Again, the Braves should be able to get much better in 2026, thanks to injury issues that could get resolved. However, if its players continue to play underwhelmingly, then the situation will become much more concerning.
Several players, including Albies and Murphy, could be expendable for Atlanta. The Braves probably shouldn’t expect an unbelievable return, but if they get a good one, the situation changes drastically for the Braves.
The Braves may want to hold onto their stars. However, as has been said, the Braves’ farm system, among other things, remains concerning for the Braves in the event of another bad season. Even with some of the Braves’ stars improving drastically as the season is coming to a close, the Braves may have no choice but to trade away some of their key players. Which, sometimes, isn’t exactly a bad thing.
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