Braves fans will have to circle a new date on the calendar for Opening Day 2026. Atlanta’s season opener against the Kansas City Royals has been bumped back one day, now set for Friday, March 27 at 7:15 p.m. Originally scheduled for March 26, the shift means the Braves will no longer have an off day between the first and second games of the series - but it also gives them a six-game homestand to kick off the season.
It’s a fresh start for a team looking to bounce back after a frustrating 2025 campaign that fell short of expectations. Change is already underway in the dugout, with longtime manager Brian Snitker stepping down at the end of the season.
In his place, the Braves are turning to a familiar face: bench coach Walt Weiss, who now takes the reins. Weiss has been a steady presence in the clubhouse, and his promotion offers some continuity even as the team looks to retool.
Atlanta didn’t waste time making moves this offseason. The front office added some serious reinforcement to the bullpen by signing right-hander Robert Suarez to a three-year, $45 million deal. Suarez brings power and poise to the late innings and should pair nicely with returning closer Raisel Iglesias, giving the Braves a potentially formidable back-end duo.
On the position player side, the Braves addressed a clear area of need by bringing in veteran outfielder Mike Yastrzemski on a two-year, $23 million contract. Injuries and inconsistency plagued the outfield in 2025, so adding Yastrzemski gives the lineup a left-handed bat with experience and versatility - someone who can slot into multiple roles and provide some much-needed depth.
With a new manager, key additions, and the energy of a home-heavy start to the season, the Braves are hoping this early momentum sets the tone for a bounce-back year. Opening Day may be 24 hours later than expected, but for Atlanta, the real story is about what’s coming over the next 162.