🚨 ATLANTA BRAVES 2026 SEASON PREVIEW: An Improved Roster Poised for a Stronger Push 👇

As the calendar flips from 2025 to 2026, the Atlanta Braves are in a much better position than they were a year ago. Despite a disappointing 2025 season, the Braves have been active this offseason, bolstering their roster in key areas, and the outlook for 2026 is much more promising. With pitchers and catchers set to report next month, the team looks poised to make a deeper postseason run, especially with improvements both offensively and on the mound. So let’s take a closer look at how the 2026 Atlanta Braves are shaping up as they aim for another shot at the NL East title.

Catcher: Drake Baldwin and Sean Murphy

The Braves’ catching situation is in great hands with reigning NL Rookie of the Year, Drake Baldwin, returning for his second season. Baldwin showed incredible promise in 2025, and if he avoids the dreaded “sophomore slump,” he will continue to be a vital part of Atlanta’s lineup. With a larger role likely in store for Baldwin, Sean Murphy will also remain key to the team’s success. Murphy, recovering from a significant hip injury that had been lingering for three years, is expected to play a bigger role as the designated hitter (DH) but will still see time behind the plate. The combination of Baldwin and Murphy gives Atlanta stability at an important position, with Baldwin expected to handle the majority of the starts at catcher in 2026.

First Base: Matt Olson

Matt Olson continues to be a rock at first base, having played every game since joining the Braves in 2022. Olson is known for his durability and consistency, so unless injury strikes, this position is locked down. The primary question surrounding Olson is whether he can maintain or even improve upon his impressive 2025 performance. After a career-best 2025, Olson will look to prove that his success is no fluke. The Braves don’t have any pressing concerns at first base, making this one of the most stable spots on the roster.

Second Base: Ozzie Albies

Ozzie Albies returns for 2026 after a relatively solid but not spectacular 2025 season. The Braves exercised his club option, and while the move seemed like a no-brainer given his value, there’s growing concern about Albies’ future in the long term. He’s had inconsistent offensive seasons, and his defensive metrics at second base have not been enough to offset his bat. While it’s likely that Albies will continue as the starting second baseman in 2026, the Braves should start thinking about what the future holds for the position. With a 1.3 fWAR in 2025, Albies remains a serviceable player, but his lack of elite production could prompt the team to look for future upgrades.

Shortstop: Ha-Seong Kim and Mauricio Dubón

The Braves have made significant improvements at shortstop, securing Ha-Seong Kim on a deal that will keep him in Atlanta for 2026. Kim showed promise in his limited time with the Braves in 2025, and Atlanta hopes he can return to the form that made him a standout with the Padres. Kim is expected to be a key part of the Braves’ infield in 2026, and with the addition of Mauricio Dubón via trade, the Braves now have an excellent utility option on their bench. Dubón’s flexibility allows him to fill in at shortstop and multiple other positions, enhancing the Braves’ depth significantly.

Third Base: Austin Riley

Austin Riley remains one of the most important players for the Braves heading into 2026. After battling injuries in 2025, Riley’s ability to stay healthy will be critical to the Braves’ success. When Riley is healthy, he is one of the best third basemen in baseball. The Braves are hoping for a return to the elite form Riley showed in 2022 and 2023, when he was a key driver of their offense. If Riley can regain his health and power, the Braves will be in a great position to compete in the NL East.

Outfield: Ronald Acuña Jr., Michael Harris II, and Jurickson Profar

The Braves’ outfield remains one of their strongest positions heading into 2026. Ronald Acuña Jr. bounced back in 2025 after his second ACL tear, showing that he’s fully capable of returning to MVP-caliber form. As long as Acuña stays healthy, he will continue to be one of the top players in the league. In center field, Michael Harris II experienced a rollercoaster 2025, but his second-half surge gives the Braves hope that he can become a more consistent contributor at the plate. Harris’ elite defense in center field is a significant asset, and if he can improve his plate discipline, he could be a star. Left field will be a battle between Jurickson Profar and Mike Yastrzemski, with Profar aiming for redemption after a rough 2025 campaign and Yastrzemski providing depth as a versatile outfielder.

Designated Hitter: By Committee

The Braves are unlikely to have a dedicated DH in 2026, as the position will likely be filled by a rotating cast of players, including Profar, Acuña, Yastrzemski, and their catchers. This flexibility allows the Braves to keep their key hitters fresh while still maintaining a potent lineup. While a traditional DH would be ideal, Atlanta’s depth allows them to be successful even with a committee approach.

Starting Rotation: Chris Sale, Spencer Schwellenbach, Spencer Strider, Hurston Waldrep, Reynaldo López, Grant Holmes

The Braves have a solid starting rotation heading into 2026, with Chris Sale leading the way. The addition of Sale provides experience and stability, while Spencer Strider continues to develop as one of the top young pitchers in the league. Spencer Schwellenbach and Reynaldo López should also be healthy and ready to contribute, providing depth in the rotation. Hurston Waldrep, fresh off a successful rookie campaign, could push for a spot in the Opening Day rotation. The Braves’ rotation has the potential to be one of the best in the league, but health will remain a key factor.

Bullpen: Raisel Iglesias, Robert Suarez, Dylan Lee, Aaron Bummer, Joel Payamps, Dylan Dodd, Joe Jimenez

The Braves’ bullpen is poised to be one of their biggest strengths in 2026, with Raisel Iglesias and Robert Suarez at the back end. If the bullpen can stay healthy and the Braves can avoid any major injuries, this group should be one of the most formidable in baseball. Iglesias and Suarez give Atlanta a dynamic one-two punch, while the rest of the bullpen will need to step up to provide depth.

Outlook: A Stronger, Deeper Team

The 2026 Braves are looking much stronger and deeper than they did last year. With major upgrades to their lineup and pitching staff, the team is in a much better position to contend for the NL East title and make a deep postseason run. While the season will bring its challenges, the Braves are undoubtedly one of the most improved teams in baseball, and their chances for success are looking bright. With the pieces they’ve added, including key signings like Ha-Seong Kim and a healthy Acuña, the Braves will be a force to be reckoned with in 2026.

As spring training approaches, Braves fans should be excited for what’s to come. The team has made significant strides this offseason, and with good health and a little bit of luck, 2026 could be the year the Braves make a serious run at the World Series.