Getty
Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr.
The Atlanta Braves had been known as an MLB organization that was almost a lock to make the MLB playoffs every year in the early 2020s. However, after missing the 2025 playoffs, Atlanta is now in jeopardy of missing the playoffs two years in a row. The Braves have a very strong core and have shown early-ish aggression this offseason in terms of making deals and signing players.
However, Atlanta’s GM Alex Anthopoulos has a decision to make regarding DH Marcell Ozuna, who is a free agent. The Braves do have the luxury of knowing, for the most part, who will be the starter at each position on the diamond, but a recent 2026 Opening Day lineup projection highlights that the Braves might be quiet this offseason in terms of signing hitters.
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Braves’ 2026 Opening Day Lineup Projection Features No Changes
In a recent article by Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter, the writer projected all 30 MLB teams’ starting lineups heading into next season.
For the Braves, there are no notable changes or additions, except for Mauricio Dubón, who was recently acquired in a trade for Nick Allen. Dubón is projected eighth in Atlanta’s order, and here is what Reuter believes the Braves’ Opening Day lineup will be next season:
“Projected Lineup”
“LF Jurickson Profar
1B Matt Olson
RF Ronald Acuna Jr.
3B Austin Riley
DH Drake Baldwin
2B Ozzie Albies
C Sean Murphy
SS Mauricio Dubón
CF Michael Harris II”
GettyAtlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr.
There certainly could be a few tweaks within that lineup. For example, Ronald Acuña Jr. could also be the team’s leadoff hitter and the NL Rookie of the Year, Drake Baldwin, may be the team’s 2-hole hitter. The most notable omission is Marcell Ozuna, who is not in the DH spot.
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Braves Lineup Projection May Reveals Atlanta’s Offseason Plan
Either way, the main point of this lineup projection is that it might reveal the Braves’ offseason spending plans. It shows that Atlanta is not predicted to make any big splashes in the market for any position players.
It makes sense when you consider the Braves’ top priority should be adding pitching, and most of those hitters in that lineup are signed long-term, or at least under contract for a few more seasons. That includes Sean Murphy, Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, Austin Riley, Jurickson Profar, and Michael Harris II.
So yeah, it makes sense why Atlanta would roll with primarily the same everyday lineup members.
Considering the Braves were without Austin Riley, Jurickson Profar, and Acuña Jr. all at the same time, they have a lot of room for improvement as a team if all the mainstays are able to stay healthy.
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