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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Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos has noted in the past there’s value in spending dollars rather than surrendering young talent. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

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Managing Partner at Atlantica Properties, Darion Dunn (center) talks with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens during a tour following the ribbon cutting of Waterworks Village as part of the third phase of the city’s Rapid Housing Initiative on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025.
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