An underrated subplot of Brian McCann’s return to Atlanta was his uniform No. 16.

Charlie Culberson, another Georgia-boy-turned-Brave, donned McCann’s number during his first season in the uniform. McCann wore the number through his entire Braves career (2005-13).

The question was answered quickly: McCann and Culberson spoke, and the former got his old number back. He wore the No. 16 during his (re-)introductory news conference Monday.

“I’ll have to buy him something nice,” McCann said. “It (the number) is special.”

Culberson’s new number hasn’t been revealed. His past numbers - 6, 23, 37 - are unavailable.

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Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson is a finalist for a Gold Glove award. (Daniel Varnado for the AJC)

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Members of the conversion crew take a break as the main scoreboard is lowered to the floor to be worked on as the arena gets ready for the next concert at State Farm Arena, Thursday, October 2, 2025, in Atlanta. The crew was working on creating a stage for the Friday, Oct. 3 Maxwell concert. (Jason Getz/AJC)

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