As the Atlanta Braves gear up for the 2026 MLB season, their spring training has already presented some challenges, particularly in the pitching department. The injury bug has bitten hard, sidelining Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep for the start of the season. This leaves the Braves with some big shoes to fill on the mound.
On the offensive side, the Braves are looking to rebound after a tough 2025 season. The lineup, under the guidance of new manager Walt Weiss, is aiming to be relentless.
Weiss has high hopes, saying, “When that lineup turns over, man, I want it to be a gauntlet. It starts with Ronald (Acuña Jr.) and it’s tough to catch your breath.
That’s the plan.”
Ronald Acuña Jr. is the spark at the top, eager to regain his 2023 MVP form after battling injuries. Alongside him, the Braves are counting on players like Ozzie Albies, Matt Olson, and Austin Riley to bounce back after a season that saw them miss the playoffs for the first time in nearly ten years.
The pitching staff, however, remains a concern. With Schwellenbach out, there's a growing chorus of fans and analysts calling for the Braves to bolster their rotation. The need for another starting-level pitcher has become even more pressing in light of recent injuries.
As the Braves prepare to kick off their 2026 campaign with a series against the Kansas City Royals in late March, the team is focused on overcoming these early hurdles. With a potent lineup and strategic adjustments, Atlanta is determined to make a strong comeback this season.