Braves Sign Dominic Smith and Kyle Farmer to Split Contracts

Veteran players likely to make Braves' opening day roster, while rookie Didier Fuentes could also break camp with the team.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 2:25pm

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The Atlanta Braves have signed veteran players Dominic Smith and Kyle Farmer to split contracts for the 2026 season, signaling they will likely be on the opening day roster. Meanwhile, rookie pitcher Didier Fuentes has impressed in spring training and could also make the Braves' opening day roster, despite the team initially planning to have veteran Martin Perez start the season.

Why it matters

The Braves are making final roster decisions ahead of the upcoming season, balancing veteran experience with promising young talent. The moves highlight the team's flexibility in managing its roster and suggest they are aiming to field a competitive team right out of the gate.

The details

Smith, 30, is expected to serve as the Braves' primary designated hitter against right-handed pitching, while the 35-year-old Farmer provides infield depth after beating out Brett Wisley for a bench spot. Meanwhile, the 23-year-old Fuentes has been dominant in spring training, forcing the Braves to potentially alter their initial plans to have Perez and Jose Suarez handle innings-eating duties to start the season.

  • The Braves announced the signings of Smith and Farmer on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
  • The 2026 MLB season is set to begin on Friday, March 28, 2026.

The players

Dominic Smith

A 30-year-old veteran who is expected to be the Braves' primary designated hitter against right-handed pitching.

Kyle Farmer

A 35-year-old journeyman infielder who beat out Brett Wisley for a bench spot on the Braves' roster.

Didier Fuentes

A 23-year-old rookie pitcher who has impressed in spring training and could break camp with the Braves, despite the team's initial plans to have veteran Martin Perez and Jose Suarez handle innings-eating duties to start the season.

Martin Perez

A veteran left-handed pitcher who was expected to be on the Braves' opening day roster, but may now start the season in the minors to make way for Fuentes.

Jose Suarez

A veteran pitcher who was also expected to handle innings-eating duties for the Braves to start the season, but could now be pushed out by the emergence of Fuentes.

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What they’re saying

“We must balance veteran experience with promising young talent as we finalize our roster. Dominic, Kyle, and Didier have all shown they can contribute at the big league level.”

— Alex Anthopoulos, Braves General Manager

What’s next

The Braves have until Wednesday, March 26th to finalize their opening day roster, so the status of Fuentes, Perez, and Suarez could change in the coming days.

The takeaway

The Braves are making tough roster decisions as they aim to field a competitive team right out of the gate, balancing veteran experience with the potential of young talent like Didier Fuentes. These moves highlight the team's flexibility and willingness to make bold decisions to put the best possible product on the field.