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Braves News: Dana Brown, Vidal Brujan back, more
Dana Brown returns to the Atlanta Braves, rejoining Alex Anthopoulos' front office to lead amateur scouting after his mixed tenure as the Astros' top executive. The Braves also sign former utility prospect Vidal Brujan on a minor‑league deal, while veteran Carlos Carrasco's 2026 season is reviewed as a possible career swan song. MLB headlines include the Rays trading a Triple‑A reliever to Houston, the Padres waiving Nick Pivetta, the Rays exercising Drew Rasmussen's option, and the Orioles declining Luis Robert Jr.'s club option.
Report: Former Astros general manager Dana Brown returns to Braves
Bob Nightengale reports that former Astros GM Dana Brown is rejoining the Atlanta Braves as a senior advisor for amateur scouting. Brown, 59, previously served in the Braves front office from 2019 to early 2023 before leading Houston from January 2023 until a mutual departure in August 2026. This will be his third collaboration with Braves president Alex Anthopoulos, following a stint with the Toronto Blue Jays. The move signals a return to familiar territory for the veteran executive.
Braves bring back Vidal Bruján on MiLB deal
The Atlanta Braves sign utilityman Vidal Bruján to a minor‑league contract, adding depth to the middle infield and outfield. The 28‑year‑old, who appeared in 271 MLB games since his 2021 debut and spent part of 2025 with Atlanta, offers defensive versatility at second base, shortstop, third base and all three outfield spots. While his offense is modest—a career wRC+ of 53 and a sub‑50% stolen‑base success rate—Bruján fills a roster need after the Braves entered the offseason with limited middle‑infield options beyond Ozzie Albies and Jim Jarvis.
2026 Atlanta Braves Player Review: Carlos Carrasco
Veteran right‑hander Carlos “Cookie” Carrasco, who debuted in 2009, returns to the Atlanta Braves for a final stint in 2026. Signed to a minor‑league deal in July 2025 and again in February 2026, the 39‑year‑old was meant to serve as depth amid a wave of injuries. He appeared in eight games, throwing 16 2/3 innings with a 14.2 ERA, 13.3 FIP and –0.2 fWAR, essentially eating innings but delivering erratic results. Highlights include a brief shutdown against Seattle, but he also endured a disastrous outing versus New York, surrendering five runs in the ninth of a 10‑9 loss. After July, Carrasco departed for the KBO’s LG Twins. The piece reviews his career highs—2017 AL win leader, 2019 Roberto Clemente and Comeback Player awards—while assessing his limited impact in Atlanta.
Who really wants a salary cap?
The author questions a recent MLB fan poll that reportedly backs a salary cap, probing which owners might actually support it. He highlights financial disparities—big‑market clubs like the Yankees and Dodgers versus smaller markets such as the Rays and Brewers—while noting that players uniformly oppose a cap. The piece suggests Commissioner Rob Manfred may be pushing standardization of revenues and costs ahead of new franchise expansions and potential franchise sales, using TV deals with ESPN, Netflix, and others as leverage. Ultimately, the article asks which owners truly want a cap and whether it’s a bargaining tool for other league changes.
Offseason open chat and discussion: October 30
The author notes the upcoming baseball offseason, marking the first weekend without the sport since February, and pivots to Saturday college football obsession, especially UGA Bulldogs vs. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium on Nov. 28, 2025. They also plan to watch Game 7 of the WNBA Finals between the Dream and Valkyries, hoping the Braves can match the Dream’s aggressive offseason moves like acquiring Angel Reese. Readers are invited to share how much college football they watch on Saturdays and which teams they follow.
Braves reportedly sign International Free Agent Cuban C Anthony Calderon
The Atlanta Braves have signed 17‑year‑old Cuban catching prospect Anthony Calderón, adding a 6‑ft‑4 power‑handed catcher to this year’s international class. Calderón receives a $350,000 bonus, tying him for the fifth‑most expensive signing in the Braves’ current pool and matching breakout prospect Jorwin Pulido’s deal. The Braves edged out the Marlins, Rangers and Royals, and retain $533,700 of their 2026 international bonus pool. Calderón, trained at Alex Sánchez’s Academy, showcases strong defense, power and a recent home‑run against the Dominican Republic U‑18 squad, but won’t impact the big‑league club for several years.
From undrafted to undeniable? How Daniel Brooks could be a 2027 surprise for Braves organization
Undrafted in July 2025, 6‑foot‑7 right‑hander Daniel Brooks has turned heads in the Braves’ farm system. After a rough start in the Florida Complex League (6.17 ERA), he posted a stunning 0.65 ERA with the Low‑A Augusta GreenJackets, striking out 46 in 27⅔ innings, then earned a promotion to High‑A Rome. In three starts he threw 20⅔ scoreless innings, recorded 32 strikeouts and finished the season with a 1.81 ERA, 73 strikeouts and a 0.87 WHIP over 49⅔ innings. His 92‑94 mph fastball and mid‑80s slider have shown bat‑missing ability, and he was named a Carolina League postseason All‑Star. While still a small sample and untested as a full‑time starter, Brooks could emerge as a surprise arm for Atlanta in 2027.
2026 Atlanta Braves Player Review: Chadwick Tromp
The Battery Power piece recaps Chadwick Tromp’s 2026 season with the Atlanta Braves, highlighting his role as a depth catcher amid a spate of injuries. Acquired off waivers in 2021, Tromp shuffled between the majors and minors, serving mainly as a defensive option despite a career .200/.192/.240 line and a low 0.4 fWAR. Injuries to Sean Murphy and Drake Baldwin thrust him into the lineup, where he logged 12 appearances and a notable walk‑off RBI single in the 11th inning against the Washington Nationals on May 22, generating a 0.46 WPA. The article details his defensive value (+3 catcher runs) versus offensive struggles, concluding his 2026 year was unremarkable aside from that dramatic win.
What’s the plan for Halloween?
On October 30, 2026, Hamburg’s Hagenbeck Zoo delights visitors with a quirky Halloween scene: a coati receives its meal from a carved pumpkin. Blogger Battery Power shares personal family Halloween plans, noting the holiday falls on a non‑school night and coincides with the end of daylight‑saving time. With baseball in its off‑season, the post wonders about weekend Halloween activities, blending a light‑hearted zoo anecdote with family traditions.
Braves News: Option decisions, shortstop trade candidates, and more
The Atlanta Braves exercised 2027 contract options for stars Ronald Acuña Jr. ($17 M) and Ozzie Albies ($7 M) and reinstated pitchers Spencer Schwellenbach, Spencer Strider, Hurston Waldrep and Joey Wentz from the 60‑day IL. The moves, made amid looming labor talks, signal the club’s offseason strategy. Additionally, shortstop trade rumors link Otto Lopez and Jeremy Peña to Atlanta, and the site previews a 2026 player review of José Suárez while outlining key offseason dates. Fans get a snapshot of the Braves’ roster and trade outlook.
Offseason open chat and discussion: October 29
The Atlanta Dream push the WNBA Finals to a historic Game 7 after a 4th‑quarter high‑five between Angel Reese (#5) and Rhyne Howard (#10) in Game 6 against the Golden State Valkyries at State Farm Arena on Oct. 29, 2026. Meanwhile, baseball celebrates a Milwaukee champion crowned as World Baseball Classic and World Series winner, with MLB cheering William Contreras. As the offseason kicks in, fans are invited to discuss post‑season plans and fill baseball‑less evenings.
Braves exercise 2027 options for Ronald Acuña Jr and Ozzie Albies
The Atlanta Braves exercise 2027 contract options on star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. and infielder Ozzie Albies, locking Acuña in at $17 million and Albies at $7 million after a 94‑win season that secured the NL East and a Wild Card win over the Phillies. The club also reactivates pitchers Spencer Schwellenbach, Spencer Strider, Hurston Waldrep and left‑hander Joey Wentz from the 60‑day IL as the postseason begins. Management cites Acuña’s MVP pedigree and Albies’ 38 million, 23 WAR contribution as reasons to retain them despite recent health concerns.
Otto Lopez and Jeremy Peña (among others) described as “ideal” trade candidates for Braves
MLB Trade Rumors' Top 40 list spots shortstop Jeremy Peña (Astros) and Otto Lopez (Marlins) as prime trade targets for the Atlanta Braves, who still lack a solid option at the position after Ha‑Seong Kim’s disappointing season. Peña, an All‑Star with a Gold Glove and strong offensive numbers, would give Atlanta instant upgrade but would demand a steep return from a non‑rebuilding Astros. Lopez is deemed less likely due to intra‑division trade hesitancy. The Braves are also linked to Jo Adell and MacKenzie Gore as they search for a shortstop solution before a possible December 2 lockout.
2026 Atlanta Braves Player Review: José Suárez
After a chaotic offseason that saw José Suárez DFA’d twice, the right‑hander returns to the Atlanta Braves only to make eight appearances in 2026 before being cut again. He earns a spot on the Opening Day roster, starts the season opener against the Athletics, and later dominates the Nationals in a brief spot start, but his 6.60 ERA and 15.2% walk rate undermine his solid 2.73 FIP and low HR/FB rate. The Mariners claim him briefly, then he lands with Oakland, posting a respectable 0.6 fWAR over 36 games before being released in September. Suárez’s season highlights include a 2.7% barrel rate (99th percentile) and a 32.3% hard‑hit rate (91st percentile).
Some important dates (as currently scheduled) for the 2026-27 MLB Offseason
The 2026-27 MLB offseason kicks off with the Brewers winning the World Series over the Rays, and a packed calendar of dates to watch. Free‑agent filings begin the day after the Series (9 am ET), with the free‑agency market officially opening on November 5 at 5 pm ET, alongside qualifying offers and contract option deadlines for stars like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Ozzie Albies. Award season rolls out fast: Gold Glove nominations (Nov 1), Silver Slugger finalists (Nov 2), MVP, Cy Young and Hall of Fame ballots (mid‑Nov), plus the Winter Meetings (Nov 9‑12) and Owner meetings (Nov 17‑19) that may flag labor talks. Key events include the MLB Awards show (Nov 11) and the MVP ceremony (Nov 12).
The World Series is over. Now what?
The Milwaukee Brewers clinch the 2026 World Series with a Game Five victory over the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on October 28, ending the season in St. Petersburg, FL. With the championship settled, the blog shifts to the looming MLB offseason, questioning what comes next amid a pending collective bargaining agreement and the threat of a lockout. It invites readers to consider the impact on free agency, labor‑relations debates, or simply stepping away from baseball until the dispute resolves.
Braves News: Offseason begins, Brewers crowned champions, more
The 2026 MLB season ends with the Milwaukee Brewers clinching their first World Series title, beating the Tampa Bay Rays in a dominant pitching duel. As the league heads into a potentially lengthy lockout and crucial CBA talks, the offseason looms with early trade activity expected, putting pressure on the Atlanta Braves to make impactful moves before the work stoppage. The post also notes prospect Owen Murphy’s debut, the Super Two arbitration cutoff at 2.133 years, and a Fangraphs contract crowdsourcing ballot.
World Series Game 5 chat and discussion
After a 12‑inning loss to the Tampa Bay Rays, the Milwaukee Brewers get a second chance to clinch the 2026 World Series. The blog preview highlights Cooper Pratt's dramatic home run in Game 4 at Tropicana Field and poses the key question: will the Rays force a return to Milwaukee, or can the Brewers seal the championship now? The preview teases the upcoming Game 5 showdown on October 27 in St. Petersburg, FL.
2026 Atlanta Braves Player Review: Owen Murphy
Owen Murphy, the Braves’ 2022 first‑round pick, finally debuted on July 6, 2026 amid a spate of starter injuries. After a Tommy John surgery and a strong 2025 minor‑league comeback, his 2026 Triple‑A numbers slipped to a 4.44 ERA, prompting a rushed promotion. In five major‑league outings (12 innings) he posted a 7.49 xERA, struggled with hard contact (48.8% hard‑hit rate) and allowed seven earned runs, though his walk rate stayed low at 5.4%. Murphy’s lone highlight was a three‑perfect‑inning relief effort against the Cardinals. The review weighs his promising strike‑zone things against command issues, leaving his long‑term role with Atlanta uncertain.
Braves Minor League Recap: Isaiah Drake Doubles in Narrow Win
In a tight 1-0 victory over the Salt River Rafters, Glendale Desert Dogs rookie Isaiah Drake (LF) snaps a dry spell with a go‑ahead double, his first extra‑base hit of the fall, driving the only run. While Tate Southisene (SS) goes hitless despite 100‑mph flyouts, Braves relievers Logan Samuels and Owen Hackman combine for shutout innings, with Hackman closing out the game. The win lifts Glendale to 6‑13, highlighting the prospects’ emerging power and solid bullpen work.
Which guy in the organization didn’t get enough playing time in 2026?
The post invites Braves fans to weigh in on which player was underused during the 2026 season, especially after the wild‑card series at Truist Park on Sept. 30. While the author notes injuries, early cuts, and forgotten names, readers are asked to suggest who should have received more innings—whether a bench player, a rookie, or even someone like JR Ritchie who may have been over‑utilized. It’s a call for fans to lobby—albeit retroactively—for reshuffling the Braves’ 2026 roster.
Braves News: Hurston Waldrep review, Rays force Game 5, and more
The 2026 World Series heads to Game 5 after the Tampa Bay Rays edge the Milwaukee Brewers 4-3, leaving the Brewers with a 3-1 series lead and a chance to clinch their first title tonight at 8:00 ET. In Braves news, right‑hander Hurston Waldrep receives a detailed player review. MLB updates include Twins reliever Jeff Hoffman’s elbow surgery, slated for a 2027 return, and the Phillies hiring Peter Fatse as hitting coach. Fans are invited to predict the Rays’ next result.
World Series Game 4 chat and discussion
Game 3 of the 2026 World Series sees the Milwaukee Brewers explode for an eight‑run, two‑out fifth inning, turning a 2-0 lead into a 10-0 surge and clinching a 10-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays. The win puts Milwaukee up 3-0 and on the brink of its first championship, setting up a pivotal Game 4 that could either crown the Brewers or give Griffin Jax a chance to keep the Rays alive.
2026 Atlanta Braves Player Review: Hurston Waldrep
Hurston Waldrep’s promising late‑2025 surge evaporates in 2026 as injuries derail his Braves rotation chances. The 2023 first‑round pick, who posted a 68/79/89 line over 56⅓ innings in 2025 and earned a chance to fill a depth‑starved rotation, suffers elbow discomfort in February, undergoes surgery, and later requires Tommy John surgery after a brief, ineffective MLB stint (0.3 fWAR in 10⅔ innings). His three 2026 outings – a scoreless debut versus the Giants, a middling start against the Cardinals, and a rough turn versus the Pirates – underscore the lost momentum and raise doubts about his future role.
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