You probably checked the schedule looking for a final score, but here is the thing: there was no Atlanta Braves game yesterday in the traditional sense. It is mid-January 2026. Truist Park is quiet, the grass is dormant, and the only "runs" being scored right now are happening in the front office.
But don't let the lack of a box score fool you. Yesterday, January 12, was actually one of the busiest days of the offseason for Alex Anthopoulos. While fans were looking for home runs, the Braves were busy swapping deck chairs on the 40-man roster, finalizing a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays, and handing out Spring Training invites to the next generation of arms.
If you're a die-hard, yesterday was actually more important than a random Tuesday night game in July. The moves made over the last 24 hours basically signal how the Braves plan to fix a rotation and bullpen that looked gassed by the end of last season.
The Waldichuk-Wisely Trade: Why Atlanta moved on yesterday
The big news that broke late yesterday involved two names that were barely on the roster for a cup of coffee: Ken Waldichuk and Brett Wisely. Atlanta sent both to the Tampa Bay Rays.
It feels like a minor move, honestly. Waldichuk was only in the organization for a few days after being claimed from the A’s. But this is classic Anthopoulos. He saw an opportunity to churn the bottom of the roster, realized the fit wasn't perfect, and flipped them for cash considerations or a player to be named later.
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Why does this matter for the Atlanta Braves game yesterday searchers? Because it cleared the necessary room for the team to officially bring back Tyler Kinley.
Kinley is a fascinating case. The Braves actually declined his $5.5 million option earlier this winter, which had people thinking he was gone for good. Then, in a savvy bit of negotiating, they brought him back yesterday on a one-year, $4.25 million deal. They saved over a million bucks and kept a guy who posted a ridiculous 0.72 ERA after coming over from Colorado at the deadline last year. That’s the kind of math that wins divisions.
The Young Guns: Garrett Baumann and Owen Murphy get the call
While the trade was the "news," the most exciting part of the day for prospect junkies was the announcement of non-roster invites.
The Braves officially invited Garrett Baumann and Owen Murphy to big league Spring Training. If you haven't seen Baumann pitch, the kid is a literal giant. He’s 6’8” and throws a heavy ball that makes hitters look silly. Murphy is the more "polished" prospect, often compared to the mid-rotation stalwarts the Braves seem to manufacture out of thin air every three years.
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By giving these guys the nod yesterday, the Braves are telegraphing their 2026 strategy. They aren't just relying on aging vets. They want to see if the "North Port 2" (as some fans are already calling them) can provide meaningful innings if the injury bug bites the rotation again.
Current 2026 Rotation Outlook
- Chris Sale (The veteran anchor, hoping the rib issues are behind him)
- Spencer Strider (Coming back with a vengeance)
- Reynaldo Lopez (The Swiss Army knife turned starter)
- The Battle Ground (Baumann, Murphy, and the waiver claims fighting for the 4th/5th spots)
Addressing the Sean Murphy trade rumors
We have to talk about the elephant in the room from yesterday's news cycle. Reports started swirling that Sean Murphy might actually be on the trade block.
It sounds crazy. He’s an All-Star caliber catcher. But with the emergence of some of the younger depth and the need for another top-tier starting pitcher, rumors are heating up that Murphy could be the "big chip" Anthopoulos uses to land an ace.
Is it likely? Maybe not. Murphy’s hip issues last year lowered his value slightly, and selling low isn't usually the Braves' style. However, the fact that these conversations are happening now—weeks before pitchers and catchers report—shows that the 2026 roster is still very much a work in progress.
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What you should actually watch for next
The "game" right now isn't on the field; it’s in the transaction log. If you were looking for an Atlanta Braves game yesterday, you missed a trade, a key re-signing, and two massive prospect promotions.
Here is what you need to do to stay ahead of the curve:
- Watch the Waiver Wire: The Braves have been the most active team in MLB this month with "claim and flip" moves. Expect at least two more roster spots to cycle before February 1.
- Keep an eye on Ha-Seong Kim: He’s the new everyday shortstop. Yesterday’s moves were partly about clearing enough financial flexibility to ensure they can surround him with a bench that doesn't drop off a cliff.
- Monitor the Sean Murphy situation: If a trade happens, it’ll likely be for a starting pitcher with at least three years of control.
The Braves finished 4th in the NL East last year with a 76-86 record. That hurt. Yesterday was a small, quiet step toward making sure 2026 looks a lot more like 2021 than 2025. No, there wasn't a scoreboard to check, but the Braves definitely put up some W's in the front office.
Go ahead and mark February 21 on your calendar. That’s when the actual games start against the Rays in Port Charlotte. Until then, keep an eye on the 40-man roster—it’s changing faster than a Spencer Strider fastball.