As per Jim Riley of the BALLCAP Sports, “President Terry McGuirk recently told shareholders that the Braves plan to become a top-five payroll team — a move that includes adding about $50 million to their player budget.” That decision has definitely come after the team’s downfall in 2025, where the Braves finished the season with a 76–86 record, ranking 4th in the NL East. So, Riley has urged the team to sign a $212 million star.

And that star is Bo Bichette. However, Bob Nightengale reported that, “Bichette, who was expected to depart Toronto a year ago and whose name surfaced in trade talks, is now expected to stay put to complete their goodwill tour.” Still, the star is yet to agree with the $22.025, 1-year qualifying offer. So, Jim Riley thinks that Walt Weiss could try to lure the Jays’ star this offseason.

The Braves are looking for a perfect fit for their shortstop position, which is empty after opt out of Ha-Seong Kim. Plus, Ozzie Albies, the team’s second baseman, has a club option worth $7M for 2027. At that point, the 2B position will also be available in one or two years. Hence, Bo Bichette would be an elite offensive upgrade for the Braves.

Bichette has proven himself multiple times.

On May 31, 2025, he delivered his career’s 100th home run, being the 1st Jays star to achieve that milestone. In the World Series Game 7, he delivered a 3-run home run off the Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani, helping the Jays get an early lead, even though they lost.

Overall, Bichette, with a .311 batting average, 94 RBIs, and 18 home runs in 2025, showed an elite performance.

With that, Riley also mentioned Kyle Schwarber and Robert Suarez as potential fits for the Braves.

“Schwarber could slot in perfectly as the team’s designated hitter, Bichette could fill the void at shortstop, and Suarez could strengthen the bullpen as a closer. While it’s unlikely the Braves would land all three, adding two of them is entirely feasible. After a relatively quiet offseason last year—where Jurickson Profar was their biggest move—it seems Atlanta is ready to make multiple splashes this winter.”

The team definitely needs a new DH, specifically after Marcell Ozuna became a free agent. And that position can be filled by Kyle Schwarber. “Some teams don’t need a DH, but teams do love Schwarber, whose 56 home runs in 2025 plays,” Jon Heyman noted.

The Braves also need a closer because Raisel Iglesias is a free agent. While re-signing him is a priority, Walt Weiss is also looking for some other options, and this is where Robert Suarez can help. In 2025, Suarez was an elite closer who guided the NL with 40 saves and posted a 2.97 ERA over 70 games.

But for Bichette, though, the Braves will have to bid with an intense financial package.

Following a season that fell far beyond expectations, the Braves looks serious about pressing the reset button. And this time, it is not only about the big spending, but it is about making a smarter, tougher, and more cohesive franchise. 

Braves dugout shake-up signals a cultural reset

The recent move by the Atlanta Braves proves that they are not only fine-tuning the roster, but they are actually reshaping the whole core of the franchise.

Under the new manager, Walt Weiss, the initially announced 3B coach role of Tony Mansolino changed to a bench coach role. With that, the Braves sent a message regarding experience and accountability. Mansolino, who assisted in stabilizing the Orioles with a 60-59 record as an interim manager following a rough start, brings composure and leadership that Atlanta clearly values. It is a tactical upgrade that gives Weiss a dependable right-hand man.

The club added Tommy Watkins as a third-base coach, Dustin Garneau as a catching coach, and Darnell Coles as an assistant hitting coach. With fresh faces, the org maintained its core names like Eddie Perez and Tim Hyers. 

This perfect blend of new energy and familiar voices shows that the front office is serious about filling all the cracks exposed in 2025. This updated coaching setup is not just about titles; it is also about recapturing the lost identity and beliefs inside the Braves’ dugout.

The Braves are not only reconstructing their roster but redefining their identity via bold signings and leadership changes. With renewed focus and structure, Atlanta is setting the ground for a solid revamp in 2026.