The Atlanta Braves are already building their team for 2027, according to Battery Power. They added infielder Brett Wisely to the 40-man roster on Thursday. This move protects him from being taken by other clubs. The team sent outfielder DaShawn Keirsey Jr. down to Triple-A Gwinnett. Infielder Luke Williams chose to become a free agent after being sent down.
Harrison Smajovits of Atlanta Braves on SI first reported the news about Wisely. The transaction log confirms these moves happened recently. The club wants to keep their options open for next season. Wisely played 125 games for Gwinnett this year but never appeared in a big league game in 2026. He hit .281 with 11 home runs and a 127 wRC+ at the Triple-A level. Those numbers are good enough to earn a spot on the main roster now.
Why the 40-Man Spot Matters
Putting Wisely on the 40-man is a smart play for the organization. It stops him from using his veteran rights to leave the team for nothing. He only played four games for the big club back in 2025. That short stint did not show much, but his minor league success tells a different story. The Braves likely see him as a key part of their plans for next year. They need to protect their depth before the winter meetings start.
Wisely has not been able to turn his minor league stats into big league results yet. But keeping him safe gives the team flexibility later. They could trade him or use him in a deal. The 2021 championship run taught them to value every single roster spot.
Southisene Shines in Fall League
While the big league roster shifts, the minor league news is also positive. Tate Southisene had a great night for the Glendale Desert Dogs in the Arizona Fall League. He reached base four times against the Surprise Saguaros. The final score was 17 to 8, a blowout win for Glendale. Southisene went 2-for-3 with a double, two walks, and a stolen base.
Southisene started the game by walking and stealing second base. He scored the first run of the night on ground outs. He also hit a double that showed his power potential. The pitching in the fall league can be wild, but he waited it out. He showed the same patience that got him to Double-A early this year. He did not look rusty after the long break from play. If he keeps hitting like this, more scouts will take notice.
Logan Samuels also helped the team in relief. He pitched two innings without allowing a run. He gave up two walks but struck out three batters. The pitching staff allowed 13 walks in the game, which made it sloppy. But the young hitters kept the offense moving forward. The Braves need them to step up as the big league team looks to win again.