Atlanta Braves World Series Champion Is An MLB Free Agent

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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 23: Ian Anderson #36 of the Atlanta Braves walks to the dugout during the first inning of Game Six of the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Truist Park on October 23, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Michael Zarrilli/Getty Images)

On Sunday, the Atlanta Braves lost to the Arizona Diamondbacks by a score of 6-5.

The two teams split the four-game series (in Phoenix).

Following the Diamondbacks, the Braves will now visit the Los Angeles Angels with the series starting on Monday night.

Braves World Series Champion Is An MLB Free Agent

GettyIan Anderson #36 of the Atlanta Braves gets the ball back from his defense during the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on June 2, 2022 in Denver, Colorado.

While the Braves are off and running in 2026, it’s worth pointing out that a former player (Ian Anderson) is currently a free agent.

He is available to sign with any team in the MLB.

According to Mark Singelais of Times Union, Anderson will miss the entire 2026 season with an injury.

@CrosbyBaseball’s first post (on February 12): “NEWS: Former Braves pitcher Ian Anderson tore the labrum in his throwing shoulder. The injury happened on Christmas Eve and he had surgery on January 13th. He’s currently a free agent.”

@CrosbyBaseball’s second post (on February 12): “He’s rehabbing now and scheduled to pick up a baseball in late summer or early fall, with the goal of being signed for the 2027 season. He is planning to come back to MLB”

Anderson’s MLB Career

GettyIan Anderson #36 of the Atlanta Braves pitches during the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Truist Park on June 24, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Anderson was the third pick in the 2016 MLB Draft.

He spent the first three years of his MLB career with the Braves.

During the 2021 season, Anderson went 9-5 with a 3.58 ERA in 24 games.

The Braves also won the World Series Championship over the Houston Astros.

GettyIan Anderson #36 of the Atlanta Braves pitches during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres on April 16, 2022 at Petco Park in San Diego, California.

Anderson did not play for an MLB team in 2023 and 2024.

ESPN’s Jeff Passan wrote (on April 11, 2023): “Atlanta Braves right-hander Ian Anderson will undergo Tommy John surgery, sources tell me and @kileymcd. After a difficult 2022 season, Anderson started the year at AAA and struggled in his first start before being diagnosed with a torn UCL. He’s expected to return in 2024.”

Last season, he returned to action, going 0-1 with an 11.57 ERA in seven games for the Angels.

GettyIan Anderson #36 of the Atlanta Braves walks to the dugout with Travis d’Arnaud #16 prior to Game Six of the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Truist Park on October 23, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Braves Right Now

GettyIan Anderson #36 of the Atlanta Braves throws a pitch during the first inning of Game Six of the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Truist Park on October 23, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Braves are coming off a season where they missed the MLB playoffs.

That said, they still have an outstanding roster that could return to the postseason in 2026.

Currently, the Braves are 6-4 in their first ten games, which has them as the second-place team in the National League East.