yardbarker
After a disappointing 76-86 campaign in 2025 marred by injuries, the Atlanta Braves bounced back in 2026 with a 94-68 record and an NL East crown. However, their postseason run ended swiftly with a four-game loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS. With the offseason underway, the Braves are focused on taking the next step, but the road back to the World Series won't be easy. The NL East is expected to be highly competitive in 2027, and Atlanta will also have to contend with powerhouses like the Dodgers, Padres, and the defending champion Brewers.
Can Austin Riley Bounce Back?
When Austin Riley signed a 10-year, $212 million extension during the 2022 season, it looked like a team-friendly deal for the Braves. From 2021 to 2023, Riley posted a .286/.354/.525 batting line with 108 home runs and 104 doubles over 2,070 plate appearances, earning two All-Star selections and two top-10 NL MVP finishes. He appeared to be a cornerstone star. However, his production has declined since 2023, hitting a low point in 2026 with a .219/.290/.364 line, 19 homers, and 21 doubles in 630 plate appearances. Despite the downturn, Riley still ranked in the 72nd percentile or better in bat speed, average exit velocity, barrel rate, and hard-hit rate. A rebound from Riley would significantly boost the Braves' lineup.
Will Jurickson Profar Return?
Jurickson Profar's tenure with the Braves has been nothing short of disastrous. Signed to a three-year, $42 million contract in the 2024-25 offseason to solidify left field, Profar has appeared in just 80 games due to a pair of PED suspensions—80 games in 2025 and 162 games in 2026. He spent the offseason playing in the Venezuelan Winter League to regain form but has been mediocre at best, slashing .268/.313/.341 with three doubles in 49 plate appearances entering Sunday. With his contract now a sunk cost, the Braves might be better off moving on unless Profar shows significant improvement in spring training.
How Will the Rotation Shape Up?
On paper, the Braves have a strong top three in Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, and Spencer Schwellenbach, with Hurston Waldrep showing promise as a potential option. However, Strider has struggled since undergoing internal brace surgery and hasn't recaptured his previous form, while Schwellenbach missed the entire 2026 season and Waldrep made only three mediocre appearances. According to MLB.com's Mark Bowman, the Braves are not counting on Strider and/or Schwellenbach to remain in the rotation for the entire 2027 season. As a result, the top three might be Sale, Bryce Elder, and Grant Holmes. Trade deadline acquisition Tyler Mahle has publicly expressed a desire to return to Atlanta and could be a perfect fit. Didier Fuentes, a former minor league starter, could also rejoin the rotation in 2027. The Braves have options but could benefit from adding depth and pieces to the rotation.
Originally reported by yardbarker.