The moves clear a combined $11.5 million in payroll space as Atlanta looks to “reshape its pitching identity” after a disappointing 2Choose a folder
ATLANTA — The Atlanta Braves have officially begun their 2026 roster-building by making two significant cuts to their bullpen. The team announced Thursday that it has declined the 2026 club options for veteran relievers Tyler Kinley and Pierce Johnson.
The moves, which were the first major decisions of new manager Walt Weiss’s tenure, signal the start of a “major bullpen overhaul” this winter.
By declining the options, the Braves will free up $11.5 million in net payroll space, giving the front office significant flexibility to chase new arms or reallocate funds toward a beleaguered starting rotation.
For fans, it’s a bittersweet decision, as two veterans who helped steady the pen at various times will now hit free agency.
Pierce Johnson: $7M Option Declined
The decision on Johnson, 34, was the more high-profile of the two. The Braves declined his $7 million option, opting instead to pay a $250,000 buyout.
Johnson was a reliable setup man for most of the 2025 season, posting a 3.05 ERA in 59.1 innings. However, his season ended on a sour note; he struggled significantly in the final month, allowing nearly half of his entire season’s earned runs and seeing his velocity dip, which likely sealed his fate.
Tyler Kinley: $5.5M Option Declined
The move on Kinley was seen by some as more surprising. Atlanta declined his $5.5 million option, triggering a $750,000 buyout.
Kinley, who was acquired from the Colorado Rockies at the trade deadline, was nothing short of dominant for the Braves. In his final 25 innings of the 2025 season, he posted a microscopic 0.72 ERA. Despite that flash of brilliance, the Braves ultimately decided that the $4.75 million net cost to retain him was a risk they were unwilling to take, given his longer, less consistent track record.
