Currently, the Atlanta Braves are 10.5 games out of a wild card position, as they are 13 games below .500. Additionally, the Braves are four games behind the Miami Marlins in the NL East, with a record of 44-57. For a team that had back-to-back seasons with over 100 seasons two years ago, this is a new low point. As a result, Atlanta may be preparing for a rebuild.
The Braves Are Spiraling Out Of Control
Â
Braves Reportedly Willing to Trade Ozzie Albies and Michael Harris II
In addition to this deadline, the Braves are reportedly willing to trade some massive pieces. There are, of course, Marcell Ozuna and Sean Murphy who could definitely be traded before the deadline. Both players are older and aren’t needed with Atlanta anymore, especially considering Ozuna, who is a free agent after this season.
Murphy, meanwhile, is a catcher who could still be helpful. But, with Drake Baldwin doing so well, his future remains in question as well. However, there are still a couple of players who Atlanta may trade. Both Michael Harris II and Ozzie Albies could very well be traded this winter. With Harris struggling massively, the Braves may trade the 24-year-old before he loses more value. Meanwhile, Albies may also be traded thanks to an expiring contract and an underwhelming season. Albies is also 28, has struggled to stay healthy, and could still harness a lot of attention in trade situations.
Atlanta May Need to Get Younger
The Braves aren’t like the Philadelphia Phillies, where every star player is 32 or older. However, Atlanta has few core pieces that are older and aren’t syncing with the rest of the team. This includes Ozuna, Murphy, and even other parts that used to be a part of the team. Many positions, including the shortstop position, may be under question in the future. Atlanta has young stars, but maybe not enough.
One example is Nick Allen, who is a fantastic defender but a horrible bat. His .216 career average and no power is not ideal for Atlanta. As a result, trading away Harris and Albies could be one way of getting plenty of MLB-ready players who can help the offensive side of things. In 2023, the New York Mets sold several of their stars despite the fact that they were still good.
In 2025, the team is still good and has a great farm system, ranked in the top 12, in addition to having several youngsters. Ultimately, a trade may be the best option for Atlanta. With a 27-year-old Ronald Acuna Jr. and, of course, the younger Baldwin, the Braves may rebuild a little. Atlanta definitely doesn’t need to sell everything.
Atlanta Has Been Collapsing Since 2023
Ever since Atlanta’s embarrassing early postseason exit in 2023, the Braves have been free-falling. In 2024, Atlanta started to show cracks in its foundation with many players landing on the IL and others underperforming. The team ended up finishing 89-73 after an 104-57 record the year before that. Now, in 2025, the team is on pace for a 75-87 record, and now has to contend with a 63-99 record in 2026, since they have lost 12 more games each season.
Atlanta just hasn’t shown up for several seasons and needs to fix something. Sure, injuries have been an issue since 2024. However, in addition to this, players have tremendously underperformed. Trading away star players may not be the answer. However, sometimes boldness in bad times will lead to great times. Atlanta is a great team, but a reset may be needed to get the juggernaut of a team back to where they were before. Atlanta’s 2023 team was one of the best in MLB history offensively. The Braves are capable of a lot, but just like other teams, something is missing.
Main Image: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
