Former All-Star Closer & 2 Other Braves Are Newest Free Agents
The Atlanta Braves outrighted a number of notable names this week, and three of them, including a former All-Star closer, have elected free agency rather than accepting a minor league assignment.
Former closer Alexis Diaz hits free agency
Alexis Diaz, who was an All-Star with the Cincinnati Reds with 37 saves in 2023, and had 28 saves as recently as last year, had a disastrous campaign in 2025. He's coming off a $4.5 million contract this year, won through arbitration.
As a free agent this winter, however, he won't earn anything close to that, and in fact might have to find himself a minor league deal somewhere for next season after posting an 8.15 ERA this year split between the Reds, LA Dodgers and the Braves. He walked more than six batters per nine innings.
Jarred Kelenic experiment in Atlanta a huge failure; opts for free agency
Next up, Jarred Kelenic has also opted to become a free agent after being outrighted by the Braves. It was a failed experiment in Atlanta for the former top Mariners prospect over the last two years. The former 6th overall pick (2018 MLB Draft), has hit below the Mendoza Line in three of his five major league seasons. This year with the Braves, he hit .167 with a .534 OPS in 65 plate appearances. In 2024, a much bigger sample size, he batted just .231 with a .679 OPS and 15 homers for the Braves in 449 PAs.
Jarred Kelenic has elected free agency, as did Alexis Diaz and Dane Dunning, per DOB
— Scott Coleman (@scottcoleman55) October 2, 2025
I understood the vision and process with Kelenic. But this was a pretty big whiff for the front office. At least it just cost money (and opportunity cost) and not prospects
RHP Dane Dunning elects free agency, time with Braves is done
Right-hander Dane Dunning, a starter-turned-reliever, is the third of the trio of Braves to hit free agency. After four+ years in Texas, the Rangers sent Dunning to the Braves this July, but he didn't fare well with his new team, surrendering 12 earned runs in 10 innings for a 10.80 ERA, though he did have an 11:2 strikeout to walk ratio. The 30-year-old has a 4.44 ERA for his six-year career.
Photo: © Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
