The Atlanta Braves are eager to shake off the disappointments of the 2025 season, where they stumbled out of the gate with an 0-7 start and faced setbacks like Jurickson Profar's suspension and a slew of injuries. But there's a silver lining for Braves fans: Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider are poised to lead the charge back to the playoffs.
Avoiding another slow start is crucial. Last year's rough opening against the Padres and Dodgers set a tough tone.
This time, the Braves kick off their season against the Kansas City Royals, followed by the Athletics. It's a more forgiving schedule that could help them gain early momentum.
Ronald Acuña Jr. is ready to remind everyone of his superstar status. After a stellar 2023 campaign with 41 homers and 73 stolen bases, injuries slowed him down.
But his impressive showing at the World Baseball Classic signals a return to form. A 40-40 season and a top-three MVP finish are well within reach, even in the era of Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge.
The addition of Antuon Richardson, known for boosting stolen bases, could further elevate Acuña's game.
When Acuña and Matt Olson are both firing, the Braves' lineup becomes a formidable force. Despite their limited time together since 2023, their potential impact is undeniable. If they can stay healthy, expect fireworks.
Catcher Drake Baldwin, last year's National League Rookie of the Year, is another key piece. With Marcell Ozuna no longer in the DH spot, Baldwin and Sean Murphy should see more action at the plate. Baldwin's poised for a breakout season, potentially hitting 25 homers with 90 RBIs and an .850 OPS, making him one of the league's top offensive catchers.
The Braves' formula for success has been homegrown talent, though recent years have seen fewer impactful additions. Baldwin's growth could be a game-changer, providing a fresh spark to the lineup.
Injuries have already hit the Braves' pitching staff, including Spencer Strider's oblique strain. But once he's back, expect Strider to return to his Cy Young-caliber form.
His 2023 season, highlighted by a league-best 281 strikeouts, set a high bar. After setbacks in 2024 and a challenging 2025, Strider is primed to anchor the rotation alongside Chris Sale.
The Braves have the talent to turn things around. With Acuña leading the charge and Strider stabilizing the rotation, the playoffs are within sight. It's time for Atlanta to rise again.