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5h ago

Braves Decline 2026 Options on Relievers Pierce Johnson and Tyler Kinley

The buyouts follow Johnson’s late-season slide, signaling a push for bullpen flexibility.

Sep 13, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies (1) fouls a pitch off his leg against the Houston Astros during the ninth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Feb 15, 2024; Tampa, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves general manager and president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos talks with media at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Atlanta declined Pierce Johnson’s $7 million club option for 2026, triggering a $250,000 buyout and making him a free agent.
  • The Braves also chose a buyout over exercising Tyler Kinley’s $5.5 million option on the same day.
  • Johnson logged a 3.05 ERA over 59 1/3 innings in 2025 and a 3.36 ERA across 115 1/3 innings since signing, but he faltered from Aug. 25 on with nine runs allowed and slight dips in strikeouts and velocity.
  • The tandem decisions convert 2026 salary commitments into short-term payroll capacity, with analysis estimating roughly $11.5 million in relief after buyouts.
  • The option news was reported by Jon Heyman and detailed by MLB Trade Rumors, with additional context from Battery Power.