The Atlanta Braves will prioritize relief help this winter. With Aaron Bummer sidelined and Reynaldo López tracking toward a 2026 return, these three left-handed options match what Atlanta needs most.
Taylor Rogers: Free-Agent Lefty Fit
Rogers brings leverage experience and a slider that pairs well with Atlanta’s right-handed core. Contract status: his three-year Giants deal (2023–25) expires after this season, per the Giants’ three-year contract announcement on MLB.com.
Gregory Soto: Free Agent After 2025
Soto’s power left-handed arsenal checks the “second late-inning southpaw” box if Atlanta wants another high-octane option. Contract status: under team control through 2025 and listed as a 2026 free agent on Baseball-Reference.
José Alvarado: 2026 Club Option Call
At peak, Alvarado’s velocity and movement profile play at the back end. Contract status: Philadelphia holds a $9M club option for 2026, per MLB.com’s Alvarado extension story; he reaches the market only if the option is declined.
How the Trio Fits Atlanta’s Bullpen
With Bummer out and López focused on 2026, the path is clear: add a reliable lefty and one trusted leverage arm. Rogers is a clean free-agent fit; Soto reaches the market after 2025; Alvarado depends on Philadelphia’s option call. For more on internal arms and role shaping, see Two Braves pitching prospects on the rise and our recent Braves bullpen depth move.
