The Braves reached deals with infielder Mauricio Dubon, left-handed pitcher Joey Wentz, left-handed pitcher Jose Suarez and outfielder Eli White on one-year contracts ahead of Friday evening’s non-tender deadline.
They also tendered a contract to key lefty reliever Dylan Lee. They non-tendered right-handed pitchers Alec Manoah and Carson Ragsdale.
Teams must have decided whether they want to offer contracts to their arbitration-eligible players by the 6 p.m. deadline. Players who aren’t tendered contracts become free agents.
In Lee’s case, the Braves retained his services but didn’t reach contractual terms with him. His 2026 salary could be determined through arbitration unless the sides reach a deal before Jan. 8.
Lee, 31, had a 3.29 ERA in 74 games last season. He’s been among the Braves’ most reliable relievers and will return as an integral contributor.
Wentz had a 4.92 ERA in 14 games (13 starts), striking out 64 and walking 23. The ERA undersells his contribution, though, as he had a 2.60 mark in his first seven games with the Braves, who were his third organization during the season. Wentz had some nice moments and provides an option as a starter or reliever.
Suarez had a 1.86 ERA in seven games (one start) a season ago. Like Wentz, he can provide multi-inning stints as a starter or reliever. He’s solid organizational depth.
White has been part of the organization the past three years, but he made his most substantial impact in 2025. He played in 105 games, hitting .234 with a .677 OPS. He earned his career highlight in August when he won MVP for his multihomer effort in the first MLB Speedway Classic in Bristol, Tennessee. White’s versatility — he can play all around the outfield and infield — provides valuable depth.
The recently acquired Dubon might have been nontendered by Houston, but the Astros dealt him to the Braves two days ago for another light-hitting shortstop in Nick Allen. Dubon adds to the bench and becomes a quality fallback option should the team fail to acquire a better shortstop. The Braves have been decimated by injuries over the past two years, so better reserves — like Dubon — can make a difference.
Infielder Vidal Brujan signed a one-year, split contract Thursday evening ahead of the deadline. President of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos had mentioned Brujan as a potential contributor at shortstop.
He hit .253 with a .616 OPS last season for the Cubs, Orioles and Braves. He had his most success in Atlanta, hitting .268 with a .679 over 23 games. He’ll compete for a bench spot in spring.
Manoah, 28, joined the organization at the end of the season and now enters free agency. He was brilliant in 2022 but hasn’t since found his footing, making Manoah a flier candidate for a franchise. Ragsdale, 27, pitched in two games for the Orioles last season. The Braves claimed him off waivers last week.
The Braves had a busy week, re-signing closer Raisel Iglesias and acquiring Dubon in a trade with Houston. Iglesias, 35, will reassume closer duties after a sensational stretch to end the season. His return addresses one of the Braves’ biggest offseason needs.
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