World Series Champion Immediately Becomes Atlanta Braves Free Agent - Heavy Sports

The Atlanta Braves saw their postseason run end abruptly on October 7, falling to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 4 of the National League Division Series. Yet, even as the dust settled on their 94-68 campaign under first-year manager Walt Weiss, roster changes are already underway for the elite franchise. Left-handed pitcher Martín Pérez has officially elected free agency, making the 35-year-old available to sign with any Major League Baseball team this winter.

According to MLB.com, Pérez elected free agency on October 29. During his first year with the Atlanta Braves, Pérez finished the season with a 9-9 record and a 3.04 ERA across 30 games, which included 26 starts.

Career Journey and World Series Pedigree

Perez spent the first seven seasons of his MLB career with the Texas Rangers. Following his initial tenure in Texas, he had stints with the Minnesota Twins and the Boston Red Sox before returning to the Rangers in 2022. That same year, Pérez earned an All-Star selection and subsequently helped the Rangers capture the World Series title in 2023.

Series finale!#BravesCountry pic.twitter.com/mIFB2b6VSP

— https://x.com/Braves/status/2098041933448761587

Before joining the Braves, Pérez accumulated additional major league experience through stints with the Pittsburgh Pirates, the San Diego Padres, and the Chicago White Sox.

Atlanta’s Season Context

The Braves played well under first-year manager Walt Weiss, capturing the National League East title with their 94-68 record and cementing their status as one of the elite teams in all of baseball. However, despite their regular-season success, the franchise has been unable to return to the World Series since winning the championship over the Houston Astros in 2021.