Atlanta Braves Look to Bounce Back in 2026 After Missing Playoffs

The Atlanta Braves are determined to return to the postseason in 2026 after a disappointing 2025 campaign that saw them finish with a 76-86 record. This marked the team’s worst season since 2017, snapping a seven-year playoff streak that had solidified Atlanta as one of Major League Baseball’s perennial postseason contenders. With a new season ahead, the Braves are eager to rebound, but several challenges still loom, including one particularly significant gap at shortstop.

Shortstop Woes: A Major Concern in 2025

One of the biggest issues for the Braves last season was their production at shortstop. Their .549 OPS at the position was the worst in the league, a glaring hole in an otherwise solid lineup. Neither Nick Allen nor Ha-Seong Kim was able to provide any consistent offensive output, leaving the Braves scrambling for answers.

That said, Ha-Seong Kim still holds promise, despite his struggles in 2025. A few seasons ago, Kim was above league average offensively, and when paired with his Gold Glove-caliber defense, he emerged as a solid option for the Braves at short. The Braves, recognizing his potential, re-signed Kim to a one-year, $20 million contract this offseason, hoping to see him return to his 2023 form. That season, Kim posted a career-best 107 OPS+ across 152 games with the San Diego Padres, offering both offensive production and stellar defense.

However, just as the Braves hoped to see a resurgence from Kim, an unfortunate setback has occurred. Kim suffered a finger injury while in Korea, forcing him to undergo surgery to repair a torn tendon in his right middle finger. The procedure was performed by Dr. Gary Lourie in Atlanta, and Kim’s expected recovery time is 4-5 months, meaning he will begin the 2026 season on the injured list.

A Setback for Kim: Injuries Continue to Plague the Braves

Kim’s injury is just the latest setback in a series of challenges for the Braves. In 2025, Kim had already missed the first three months of the season while recovering from right shoulder labrum surgery. Additionally, he battled a back ailment last year, further complicating his ability to stay healthy and productive. Kim’s latest injury could further delay the Braves’ efforts to stabilize their shortstop position, leaving them to turn to other options as they prepare for the new season.

Mauricio Dubón: The Braves’ Short-Term Solution

With Kim sidelined, the Braves will need to adjust quickly. Enter Mauricio Dubón, a versatile infielder whom the Braves acquired from the Houston Astros earlier this offseason. While Dubón has a career 85 OPS+ over seven seasons, he brings something else to the table: a pair of Gold Glove awards. Although his offensive numbers are far from stellar, his defensive prowess and versatility should allow him to step in at shortstop for Atlanta. Dubón is expected to be the Braves’ starting shortstop as they begin the 2026 season.

Despite his limited offensive production, Dubón’s glove gives the Braves a reliable defender at a position where consistency is crucial. His defensive ability is particularly valuable for the Braves, who have had a history of relying on solid defense at shortstop, even if that has sometimes meant sacrificing offensive upside. His addition to the Braves lineup may help mitigate the loss of Kim for the time being, though the uncertainty at shortstop remains a concern.

The Braves’ Strengths and Challenges for 2026

With a healthy Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, and several other key players, the Braves still boast one of the most potent lineups in the National League. Atlanta’s offense should remain strong, and the core group of talent is more than capable of driving the team toward contention. However, the uncertainty at shortstop is a real challenge, as the team has yet to find a reliable, long-term answer for the position.

In addition to shortstop concerns, the Braves’ pitching staff could still use some reinforcements. While Atlanta has strong arms at the top of the rotation, the bullpen and overall depth remain areas of focus. With the offseason still ongoing, it’s possible that the Braves will look to add pitching depth to their roster as the season progresses.

Can the Braves Bounce Back in 2026?

Despite the challenges, the Braves remain a serious contender for a playoff spot in 2026. While their shortstop position is currently a question mark, the team’s overall talent and depth provide optimism. With their offensive power, led by Acuña and Olson, and a strong pitching staff, the Braves have the tools to compete for a postseason berth once again.

The key to Atlanta’s success in 2026 will be overcoming the injury setbacks at shortstop and ensuring the pitching staff remains healthy and effective. If they can shore up those areas, the Braves will be in a strong position to bounce back from their disappointing 2025 season and once again contend for a championship in a tough National League.

As spring training approaches, all eyes will be on how the Braves address their shortstop situation and whether they can find the right formula to reclaim their spot among MLB’s elite teams.