Braves Finalize Roster Ahead of Opening Day

Atlanta signs utility infielder Kyle Farmer and first baseman Dominic Smith to one-year deals

Mar. 21, 2026 at 3:21pm

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The Atlanta Braves have finalized their roster ahead of the 2026 MLB season, signing utility infielder Kyle Farmer and first baseman Dominic Smith to one-year, split contracts. The moves solidify the Braves' bench and provide added flexibility as the team aims to return to the playoffs after missing out in 2025.

Why it matters

The Braves are looking to bounce back after missing the postseason in 2025, ending a seven-year playoff streak. Maintaining roster depth will be crucial, and these signings of Farmer and Smith give the team more options off the bench and at designated hitter.

The details

The Braves announced the signings of Farmer and Smith on Saturday morning. Farmer provides defensive versatility across the infield, while Smith offers a left-handed bat capable of filling a bench or designated hitter role. The contracts are split deals, meaning the Braves have the option to send either player to the minors if they add another player before Opening Day rosters are set on Wednesday.

  • The Braves finalized the contracts on March 21, 2026.
  • Opening Day for the 2026 MLB season is scheduled for Thursday.

The players

Kyle Farmer

A utility infielder who can play multiple positions and provides defensive versatility to the Braves' roster.

Dominic Smith

A first baseman who offers a left-handed bat and can serve as a bench or designated hitter option for the Braves.

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What they’re saying

“The #Braves today signed INFs Kyle Farmer and Dominic Smith to one-year, split contracts for the 2026 season.”

— Atlanta Braves

“Dom Smith and Kyle Farmer signed split contracts. So, if the season started today, they would be on Atlanta's roster. But with these new deals, the Braves would have the option to send either of them to Triple-A if they add another player before Opening Day rosters are due Wednesday.”

— Mark Bowman, MLB.com reporter

What’s next

The Braves will have until Wednesday to finalize their Opening Day roster, with the option to send either Farmer or Smith to the minors if they add another player.

The takeaway

These signings demonstrate the Braves' commitment to maintaining roster depth as they look to return to the playoffs in 2026. The split contracts give the team flexibility to optimize their roster ahead of the season opener.