When the offseason began, Atlanta Braves chairman Terry McGuirk boldly proclaimed that he expected the club to have a top-five payroll in baseball in 2026. For fans, it was easy to be weary of this declaration, especially after watching their favorite team reduce payroll in the midst of a championship window.
However, a month into the offseason, it's apparent that the Braves ownership was serious about spending, and the addition of 2025 All-Star Robert Suarez is the latest proof that the team will have one of the highest payrolls in baseball going into 2026.