The Atlanta Braves are gearing up to shake off the disappointments of their 2025 season, where they stumbled out of the gate with an 0-7 start and were plagued by suspensions and injuries. But there's hope on the horizon for Braves fans, as Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider are set to lead the charge back to the playoffs.
Avoiding another rocky start is crucial, and this year’s schedule gives the Braves a softer opening, beginning with the Kansas City Royals and followed by the Athletics. This should help them avoid the pitfalls of last season’s challenging start against the Padres and Dodgers.
The Braves’ path to the playoffs hinges on a few bold predictions. Ronald Acuña Jr., who dazzled in 2023 with 41 homers and 73 stolen bases, is poised for another standout season.
After battling injuries, Acuña showed his full potential at the World Baseball Classic, setting the stage for a potential 40-40 season and a top-three MVP finish. With the addition of Antuon Richardson, credited with boosting the Mets' stolen base numbers, and the implementation of the pitch clock, Acuña's speed will be a game-changer.
When the Braves' lineup is firing on all cylinders, they're a formidable force. The combination of Acuña and Matt Olson, who were electric in 2023, promises to deliver impressive offensive results if they can stay healthy and play together consistently.
Catcher Drake Baldwin, fresh off winning the National League Rookie of the Year with 19 homers and 80 RBIs, is expected to take another leap forward. With Marcell Ozuna no longer occupying the designated hitter spot, Baldwin and Sean Murphy will have ample opportunities at the plate. If Baldwin steps up, the Braves could boast the best offense in the National League East.
The Braves' success has often come from nurturing talent both on the mound and at the plate. While they haven’t added many new faces recently, Baldwin’s anticipated improvement-potentially reaching 25 homers, 90 RBIs, and an .850 OPS-could make him one of the league's top offensive catchers.
Injuries have already been a concern this season, with Spencer Strider starting on the injured list due to an oblique strain. However, once he returns, Strider is expected to regain his Cy Young form and anchor the rotation. His 2025 season was a letdown, but with a history of leading the league in strikeouts, Strider's resurgence will be pivotal for the Braves.
The Braves are looking to recapture the magic of their 2023 season, and with key players like Acuña and Strider at full strength, they’re poised to make a serious playoff push.