The Atlanta Braves are heading into the 2026 season with a mix of optimism and concern-classic spring training vibes, but with some real substance behind the headlines.
Let’s start with the good news: Ronald Acuña Jr. is healthy. And not just “cleared for drills” healthy-fully healthy.
That’s a massive boost for a Braves team that sorely missed his full-throttle presence last year. When Acuña is firing on all cylinders, he’s one of the most dynamic players in the game.
His return to form could be the spark this roster needs to reestablish itself as a force in the National League.
But it’s not all sunshine in Braves camp.
The team will be without right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach to start the season. The young pitcher is dealing with an injury that will sideline him for the opening stretch.
It’s a tough blow, especially considering the Braves are trying to rebuild some momentum after a rare postseason absence in 2025. Schwellenbach had been viewed as a potential contributor to the rotation, and now the team will need to lean on its depth early.
Then there’s Austin Riley, who’s coming off a frustrating year of injuries and inconsistency. The 28-year-old third baseman didn’t sugarcoat where he’s at physically and mentally heading into 2026.
“I’m not getting any younger,” Riley admitted, a candid moment that speaks volumes about where he sees himself in his career arc.
He’s not old by any stretch, but in baseball terms, especially for a player who’s already logged serious innings and battled through injuries, 28 can feel a lot closer to the back half of a peak than the front. The good news? Riley says he used the offseason to focus on flexibility and mobility-two areas that could help him stay on the field and rediscover the form that made him one of the more feared bats in the Braves lineup not long ago.
That kind of honesty from a player like Riley is telling. He knows what's at stake-not just for himself, but for a Braves team that’s trying to bounce back from a rare stumble.
Atlanta missed the playoffs last year for the first time in eight seasons and failed to capture the NL East crown for the second straight year. For a club that had grown accustomed to October baseball and division dominance, that's a wake-up call.
There’s also a new voice leading the charge in the dugout. Walt Weiss steps in as manager following Brian Snitker’s move to the front office.
Weiss is no stranger to this clubhouse-he’s been part of the Braves' coaching staff for years-so the transition should be smooth. But make no mistake: this is a pivotal year for both Weiss and the team.
The Braves are counting on his leadership to steer them back to the top of the division.
With Acuña healthy, Riley motivated, and a new manager at the helm, the Braves have the pieces to make noise again. But they’ll need to overcome early setbacks-like Schwellenbach’s absence-and get production from a roster that underperformed last season.
Opening Day is just weeks away, and Atlanta knows the margin for error in a competitive NL East is slim. The 2026 season isn’t just about reclaiming a playoff spot-it’s about reasserting themselves as one of the league’s elite.