Under-the-Radar Braves Spring Training Storylines That Could Shape the 2026 Season
With most of their offseason business wrapped up, the Atlanta Braves head into spring training with a roster that’s largely set-at least on paper. Barring any last-minute injuries or surprises (and let’s be honest, Braves fans could use a break in that department), we’ve got a pretty good idea of who’s suiting up on Opening Day.
The top of the rotation and the core lineup are locked in, and the bullpen looks deep. But dig a little deeper, and there are some intriguing storylines flying under the radar-narratives that won’t dominate headlines but could quietly shape how this season unfolds.
Let’s take a closer look at a few of those lesser-discussed spring training storylines that Braves fans should keep an eye on.
Bryce Elder’s Future in Atlanta Is on the Brink
Bryce Elder’s place on this roster is hanging by a thread-and spring training might be his final shot to prove he still belongs in a Braves uniform.
Yes, he’s out of minor league options, and yes, he’s had flashes of being a capable big-league starter. But let’s be real: those flashes have become fewer and farther between.
When Elder’s name shows up as the scheduled starter, fans aren’t exactly brimming with confidence. The vibe has shifted from “he might surprise us” to “just keep it close and let the bullpen take over.”
That’s not the kind of energy you want around a rotation spot on a team with championship aspirations.
The lack of options does create a bit of a roster dilemma-if the Braves don’t keep him on the big-league roster, he’d have to be exposed to waivers. But if Elder doesn’t come into camp and absolutely shove, it’s hard to justify keeping him around just for the sake of roster mechanics. Atlanta has too much pitching depth and too much on the line to carry a starter who doesn’t inspire confidence.
This spring could very well be the end of the road for Elder in Atlanta unless he forces the issue in a big way.
Is This Ozzie Albies’ Last Spring with the Braves?
It’s a tough question to ask-and an even tougher one to answer-but it’s time to start thinking about the future of Ozzie Albies in a Braves uniform.
Albies has been a fan favorite since the day he broke through. From top prospect to clubhouse leader to All-Star second baseman, he’s been a central figure in one of the most successful stretches in franchise history. But injuries have taken a toll, and the version of Ozzie we’ve seen recently hasn’t quite looked like the dynamic player who once lit up Truist Park with his energy and explosiveness.
His arm strength has always been a bit of a question mark, and his hit tool-once projected to be elite-hasn’t consistently lived up to the hype. Now, with multiple injuries behind him, the question isn’t just about production.
It’s about durability. Can he stay on the field?
And if he does, can he still be the impact player the Braves need?
There’s one club option year left on his deal at a very team-friendly $7 million. That’s a bargain if he’s healthy and contributing. But if the injuries continue to pile up or his performance dips further, the Braves may have to make a difficult decision next offseason.
No one wants to say goodbye to Ozzie. But this spring could be the beginning of that conversation.
The ABS Challenge System Could Give Us a Glimpse Into Walt Weiss’ Managerial Style
One of the biggest changes coming to Major League Baseball in 2026 is the introduction of the ABS (Automated Ball-Strike) challenge system. It’s a hybrid model: human umpires still call balls and strikes, but players now have the ability to challenge those calls-think of it as a rapid-fire replay system for the strike zone.
Here’s the twist: it’s not the manager who initiates the challenge. It’s the players themselves.
That puts a new kind of decision-making pressure on hitters and catchers, and it also gives us an early look at how new Braves manager Walt Weiss plans to run his clubhouse. Will he give players full autonomy to challenge when they feel they’ve been wronged? Will he set clear guidelines-only challenge if you're absolutely certain-to conserve limited challenges for high-leverage moments later in games?
This spring training could offer some early clues. We’ll get to see who Weiss trusts to make those calls in real time and who might need to earn that trust. It’s a subtle storyline, but one that could have a real impact once the games start to count.
Final Thoughts
While the big-name battles and injury updates will dominate spring training coverage, it’s often these quieter storylines that end up having a real impact over the course of a 162-game season. Bryce Elder’s future, Ozzie Albies’ health and contract situation, and how the Braves adapt to the new ABS challenge system-these are the kinds of questions that won’t be answered in one day, but spring training will give us our first real look at how the Braves are approaching them.
Keep an eye on these threads as camp opens. They might not be the flashiest stories, but they could be some of the most important.