As the Atlanta Braves lace up for the 2026 MLB season, there's a palpable buzz around their spring training camp. After missing the playoffs in 2025 for the first time in nearly ten years, the Braves are on a mission to reclaim their spot among baseball's elite.
Matt Olson CRUSHES a 2-run #SpringTraining homer 🔊 pic.twitter.com/iYxEjfWUqX
— MLB (@MLB) February 24, 2026
A recent highlight from camp came courtesy of Matt Olson, who sent a powerful message with a towering home run against the Detroit Tigers. This blast, which put the Braves ahead 5-1 in the bottom of the fifth, was a vivid reminder of Olson's raw power and potential impact this season.
Entering his fifth year with the Braves, Olson was brought in to fill the shoes of Freddie Freeman after Atlanta's triumphant 2021 World Series run. While Olson, like several teammates, faced challenges last season, he found his rhythm as the year wound down. For the Braves to hit their stride early this season, they'll need Olson, along with Austin Riley and Ozzie Albies, to start strong and avoid last year's early slump that saw them stumble to an 0-7 start.
In a setback, the Braves learned that starting pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach will miss the start of the season due to injury. This echoes the injury woes that plagued the team last year. However, the silver lining is the robust form of their offense, which looks ready to tackle the new season head-on, provided they stay healthy through the remainder of spring training.
With the season opener against the Kansas City Royals on the horizon, the Braves are aiming to leverage their offensive firepower to navigate any pitching challenges. The stage is set for an exciting campaign as Atlanta seeks to reestablish its dominance in the league.