Braves Add Danny Young to Bolster Bullpen Ahead of 2026 Season

The Atlanta Braves endured a disappointing 2025 season, opening the year 0–7 and never recovering enough to reach the playoffs. Injuries played a role, but a combination of factors contributed to their struggles, leaving a talented roster short of postseason contention.

Looking ahead to 2026, the Braves aim to rebound strongly. If the team can stay healthy and address key roster needs, they have a realistic chance to challenge the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets for the NL East crown.

The offseason is already shaping up to be active, with Atlanta quietly adding pieces to strengthen the bullpen. Most recently, the Braves signed veteran left-handed reliever Danny Young to a split contract, signaling their intent to improve late-inning depth.

Young comes with injury concerns, having undergone Tommy John surgery in May, but Atlanta is betting on a full recovery to enhance a bullpen that needs reinforcements. The signing reflects the team’s focus on depth and flexibility as they prepare for the upcoming season.

1. Danny Young Brings Experience Despite Injury

Danny Young, 31, will be rejoining the Braves after previously pitching for Atlanta in 2022 and 2023. He was non-tendered by the Mets last month and had spent parts of his career with the Mets and Seattle Mariners as well. Young underwent Tommy John surgery in May, with recovery typically taking 12–18 months. The exact timing of his availability for the Braves remains uncertain, but the team is confident in his ability to contribute once healthy. In three MLB seasons, Young has compiled a 4.01 ERA and 1.34 WHIP over 60.2 innings, with a 3.1 strikeout-to-walk ratio and 78 career strikeouts. While his overall WAR has been modest, his experience as a left-handed bullpen option adds strategic value. Despite mixed results in the postseason—he posted a 7.36 ERA over 3.2 innings in 2024—Young offers Atlanta a veteran arm capable of complementing their current bullpen and providing situational flexibility.

2. Braves Bullpen Needs Reinforcement

The Braves’ bullpen was a weakness during the 2025 season, and addressing that gap is a priority for 2026. Raisel Iglesias remains the only proven elite arm in the late innings, highlighting the need for additional depth and reliability. The team also recently signed Joel Payamps to a one-year deal, further bolstering the relief corps. These moves indicate Atlanta’s strategic focus on stabilizing late-game pitching while developing younger arms and ensuring flexibility across multiple matchups. Adding Young provides a left-handed option who can be deployed in various roles, including middle relief and situational matchups. The goal is to create a more balanced and dependable bullpen capable of supporting the Braves’ rotation and closing out games efficiently. With multiple arms now in place, the Braves appear committed to preventing a repeat of the bullpen struggles that contributed to their disappointing 2025 campaign.

3. Outlook for 2026

If healthy, Danny Young could play a meaningful role for the Braves as they aim to compete in the NL East. His experience, combined with other acquisitions, strengthens a bullpen that needs reliable late-inning options. Atlanta’s front office is prioritizing depth and flexibility, ensuring that injuries or poor performances do not derail the team’s playoff aspirations. Young’s presence adds a veteran perspective and additional innings that could prove critical over a long season. While the Braves’ starting rotation and offensive production will ultimately determine their overall success, a stabilized bullpen will be a key factor in close games and high-leverage situations. If Young returns to form, Atlanta will enter 2026 with a significantly improved relief corps, enhancing their chances to challenge for a division title and make a deep postseason run.