Atlanta Braves Opening Day Roster Prediction 2026: Projected Lineup, Rotation and Bullpen Breakdown
The 2026 MLB season is fast approaching, and with pitchers and catchers set to report in early February, excitement is building around the Atlanta Braves. After finishing the 2025 season with a disappointing 76–86 record, Atlanta enters spring training with renewed optimism thanks to key offseason acquisitions and the return of several important players from injury.
With Opening Day scheduled for March 27 against the Kansas City Royals, the Braves appear poised to re-enter the World Series conversation. Here is a full projection of what Atlanta’s 26-man Opening Day roster could look like as spring training gets underway.
Atlanta Braves 2026 Opening Day Roster Prediction: Position Players
Catchers: Drake Baldwin, Chadwick Tromp
With veteran catcher Sean Murphy recovering from hip surgery and expected to miss time until at least May, Drake Baldwin is projected to open the season as the Braves’ primary catcher. Baldwin has shown promise and will be given an early opportunity to handle the pitching staff.
The backup catcher role is expected to be a competitive battle during spring training. Atlanta invited several catchers to camp, including Jair Camargo and Sandy León, but Chadwick Tromp currently appears to have the edge. Tromp has experience with the organization and has appeared in 28 games with the Braves since 2022, giving him familiarity with the roster and coaching staff.
Infielders: Matt Olson, Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley, Mauricio Dubón, Nacho Alvarez Jr., Jorge Mateo
Atlanta’s infield remains anchored by stars Matt Olson, Ozzie Albies, and Austin Riley, who form one of the strongest cores in the National League. However, injuries and offseason developments have created some temporary adjustments.
Ha-Seong Kim signed a one-year contract to serve as the starting shortstop but will miss Opening Day following hand surgery stemming from an offseason accident. In his absence, versatile utilityman Mauricio Dubón is projected to handle shortstop duties until Kim returns.
Jorge Mateo, signed to a one-year deal in January, will likely serve as a backup infielder and defensive replacement. Meanwhile, young prospect Nacho Alvarez Jr. could secure a roster spot thanks to his versatility and offensive upside. At just 22 years old, Alvarez provides depth and flexibility, especially with Albies and Riley both returning from recent injuries.
Veteran infielder Kyle Farmer will compete for a bench role as a non-roster invitee, but he will need a strong spring training performance to secure a spot on the final roster.
Outfielders: Ronald Acuña Jr., Jurickson Profar, Michael Harris II, Mike Yastrzemski, Eli White
The Braves’ outfield is once again headlined by superstar Ronald Acuña Jr., who remains the centerpiece of Atlanta’s lineup. Michael Harris II will continue to patrol center field, while Jurickson Profar and Mike Yastrzemski are expected to share time between left field and designated hitter.
Atlanta signed Yastrzemski to a two-year contract during the offseason, adding a reliable left-handed bat and strong defensive presence. His ability to play all three outfield positions gives manager Brian Snitker added flexibility.
Eli White is projected to fill a utility role, providing speed, defensive versatility, and pinch-running ability off the bench.
Atlanta Braves 2026 Pitching
Starting Rotation: Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Spencer Schwellenbach, Reynaldo López, Hurston Waldrep
The Braves’ starting rotation looks significantly improved heading into 2026. Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, and Spencer Schwellenbach are considered locks to anchor the rotation and provide stability at the top.
Reynaldo López is expected to round out the middle of the rotation, while young right-hander Hurston Waldrep could claim the final spot after an impressive stretch of starts late last season. Waldrep’s development will be closely monitored during spring training, as the Braves evaluate whether he is ready for a full-time rotation role.
Several pitchers, including Grant Holmes, Joey Wentz, and Bryce Elder, are out of minor league options and must either make the roster or risk being lost on waivers. This situation adds another layer of intrigue to the rotation and bullpen competition.
Bullpen: Raisel Iglesias, Robert Suarez, Dylan Lee, Tyler Kinley, Joel Payamps, Daysbel Hernández, Aaron Bummer, Grant Holmes, Joey Wentz
Atlanta’s bullpen struggled at times in 2025, prompting the front office to make significant upgrades. The Braves signed right-hander Robert Suarez to a multi-year deal and brought back closer Raisel Iglesias and veteran Tyler Kinley.
Iglesias remains the projected closer after posting dominant numbers late last season. Suarez is expected to serve as a primary setup option alongside left-hander Dylan Lee. Aaron Bummer adds another reliable left-handed arm, while Kinley provides depth and late-inning experience.
Joel Payamps and Daysbel Hernández are projected to fill middle-relief roles, though both will need strong performances during spring training to secure their spots. Grant Holmes and Joey Wentz could serve as long-relief options or emergency starters if needed.
Non-roster invitees such as Martin Pérez and James Karinchak will also compete for bullpen roles, adding further competition throughout camp.
Projected Braves 2026 Opening Day Lineup
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Ronald Acuña Jr. – RF
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Matt Olson – 1B
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Austin Riley – 3B
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Drake Baldwin – C
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Jurickson Profar – DH
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Ozzie Albies – 2B
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Mike Yastrzemski – LF
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Michael Harris II – CF
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Mauricio Dubón – SS
Bench: Chadwick Tromp, Jorge Mateo, Nacho Alvarez Jr., Eli White
Braves Enter 2026 Season With Renewed Championship Hopes
After a disappointing 2025 campaign, the Atlanta Braves appear reloaded and ready to contend in 2026. With a healthier roster, key offseason additions, and emerging young talent, Atlanta has the depth needed to compete deep into the postseason.
Spring training will ultimately determine the final roster decisions, but the Braves’ projected Opening Day lineup and pitching staff suggest a team capable of returning to World Series contention. If their key players stay healthy and new additions perform as expected, Atlanta could once again be one of the most dangerous teams in Major League Baseball.
