Every offseason, MLB Trade Rumors releases its widely respected arbitration salary projections, offering a snapshot of roster and payroll decisions facing front offices. For the Atlanta Braves, nine players are eligible going into 2026 — and several could be non-tender candidates as the club seeks roster flexibility.
| Jake Fraley (5.097) | $3.6MM | Solid depth, but expensive for role |
| Joel Payamps (4.117) | $3.4MM | Reliever depth decision |
| Jose Suarez (4.064) | $1.5MM | Swingman profile, durability questions |
| Alek Manoah (4.063) | $2.2MM | Reclamation upside, low risk |
| Dylan Lee (3.150) | $1.9MM | Lock to return |
| Eli White (3.140) | $1.2MM | Speed/defense depth piece |
| Vidal Brujan (3.014) | $800K | Utility option |
| Joey Wentz (2.166) | $1.1MM | Depth starter/long relief option |
| Nick Allen (2.164) | $1.5MM | Elite glove, limited bat |
Dylan Lee a Lock to Return
Among the nine, Dylan Lee stands out as the safest bet to be tendered a contract. The left-hander has been one of Atlanta’s most reliable bullpen arms, consistently handling leverage innings with a sub-3.50 ERA over the past several seasons. At a projected $1.9 million, Lee’s salary is a bargain for his production and experience.
Nick Allen’s Role Depends on Shortstop Plans
Nick Allen could also find himself in a gray area. Atlanta currently has no guaranteed shortstop for 2026, meaning Allen’s elite defense and versatility could keep him in the mix. If Ha-Seong Kim opts into his contract or the Braves land another everyday option via trade or free agency, Allen might be pushed to a utility or late-inning defensive role — still valuable at his $1.5 million estimate.
Alek Manoah the Intrigue Play
The name that stands out is Alek Manoah. Once a Cy Young finalist with Toronto, Manoah’s rapid decline has been one of MLB’s most dramatic storylines. The Blue Jays’ decision to designate him for assignment underscored that fall. Still, at just $2.2 million, the Braves could see a low-risk, high-reward reclamation — something Alex Anthopoulos has shown a willingness to gamble on, from Kirby Yates to Jesse Chavez.
Fraley, White, and Wentz on the Bubble
The outfield mix presents another log jam. Eli White turned heads with his speed and defense, while Jake Fraley offers left-handed pop and a .735 career OPS. However, $3.6 million may be steep for a bench bat on a roster already featuring Michael Harris II, Adam Duvall, and Forrest Wall. Meanwhile, Joey Wentz may have done enough to earn another look. The former Braves draftee flashed upside in relief after returning on waivers, and his $1.1 million projection makes him a plausible depth hold.
The Braves’ arbitration picture highlights the organization’s ongoing challenge — balancing depth with payroll efficiency.
Expect Lee to be tendered, Allen to be monitored, and Manoah to be a wild card.
Beyond that, several of these names could find themselves elsewhere by December’s non-tender deadline.
