The Atlanta Braves have been making headlines for their pitching struggles, but it's their offense that holds the key to reclaiming their status as World Series contenders. Just a few years ago, in 2023, the Braves’ lineup was a force to be reckoned with, smashing records with an .845 OPS, becoming the first team to slug over .500, and tying the MLB record with 307 home runs.
That powerhouse performance led them to an impressive 104 wins. Despite a tough postseason exit, the future looked bright for this young core.
Fast forward to now, and the Braves’ offense seems a shadow of its former self. Over the past two seasons, their team OPS has plummeted by over 120 points, and they managed just 190 home runs in 2025, a stark contrast to their 2023 heroics.
Injuries have played a significant role in this decline. Almost every key player, except the ever-reliable Matt Olson, has battled injuries that have clearly impacted their performance.
Ozzie Albies and Austin Riley are prime examples of this struggle.
Albies has faced a series of wrist injuries that have taken a toll on his performance. In 256 games over the last two seasons, his numbers dropped to a .245 average with 26 home runs and a .685 OPS, a far cry from his 2023 stats where he hit 33 homers with an .849 OPS in just 148 games.
He showed glimpses of his old self towards the end of the 2025 season, hitting .272 with nine homers in the second half, but another wrist injury cut his season short. The big question remains: Have we already seen the peak of Albies’ career?
Austin Riley's journey has been similar. From 2021 to 2023, he was a standout third baseman in the National League, consistently hitting over 30 homers with 100 RBIs.
He was a top contender in the NL MVP race each year. However, injuries have hampered his last two seasons, limiting him to 36 home runs and a .760 OPS in 212 games.
While these numbers aren't poor, they fall short of the high expectations set for the franchise’s highest-paid player.
A resurgence from Albies and Riley could propel Atlanta back into the top 10 offensively. But they're not the only ones with room for improvement.
Michael Harris II is also looking to bounce back from a challenging season, where he hit .249 with 20 home runs and a .678 OPS. Known for his stellar defense, Harris has the potential to be a dynamic five-tool player, but his inconsistency at the plate has been a concern.
While he may not reach MVP heights, he certainly has more to offer than his recent performance suggests.
These three players, all with All-Star potential, have yet to hit their stride in the past two seasons. If they can turn things around, alongside full seasons from stars like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Jurickson Profar, the Braves’ offense could return to its former glory.
This offensive revival would be crucial, especially as the team works to address issues in their starting rotation following injuries to Hurston Waldrep and Spencer Schwellenbach. The pieces are there; it's just a matter of putting them together.