The 2026 MLB season is upon us, and Atlanta Braves fans are buzzing with excitement. Kicking things off at home against the Royals is a welcome change from those grueling West Coast openers. Expectations are high, with fans eager for a more successful campaign than the past couple of years.
However, the season's start hasn't been entirely smooth. Jurickson Profar's suspension and a slew of injuries have raised some eyebrows. The offseason was productive, though the Braves didn't bolster their starting rotation, a decision that might come back to haunt them.
Keith Law from The Athletic has stirred the pot with his prediction, placing the Braves third in the NL East with an 83-79 record. He sees the Mets taking the division, followed by the Phillies, with the Marlins and Nationals trailing. Law's concerns center on the Braves' injury woes, which he believes could hinder their division title aspirations.
His caution is understandable. If Atlanta's starting pitchers face setbacks, the team could be in trouble. Yet, an 83-79 prediction seems a bit harsh given the offensive talent and health the Braves currently boast.
While the division title might be a stretch with the Mets' improvements and the Phillies' consistency, the Braves' offense shows no glaring weaknesses. Spring performances have been promising, suggesting a potent lineup ready to make waves.
Health is always a wild card, but as it stands, the Braves are in good shape. The anticipated returns of Sean Murphy and Ha-Seong Kim in about a month should bolster the lineup further. Their presence will strengthen the bench, allowing Mauricio Dubon to play the versatile role Atlanta envisioned.
With these pieces coming together, the Braves could very well aim for 89 or 90 wins. After two seasons of underwhelming performances, the team is hungry to reclaim its status as one of the league's most formidable forces.