For three years, from 2021 to 2023, Austin Riley was not just a key component of the Atlanta Braves, he was one of the premier third basemen in Major League Baseball. His combination of elite power, consistent run production, and reliable defense made him a fixture in the middle of a dangerous Braves lineup.
However, the 2024 and 2025 seasons brought a different narrative. Plagued by nagging injuries, Riley’s perfomance, while still respectable, dipped below the MVP-caliber heights fans had become accustomed to. As the Braves look toward a new season, the question arises: Can Riley return to his elite form? The evidence suggests that not only is it possible, but it is highly probable.
Can Austin Riley Return to Elite Form?
The Injury Context: Understanding the 2024-2025 Dip
To understand where Riley is going, we must look at what held him back. The 2024 season was particularly challenging, with Riley suffering a significant hand/wrist injury that hindered his ability to drive the ball with the same power he displayed in previous years.
In baseball, hand and wrist injuries are often the most detrimental to a hitter’s performance, affecting bat speed and the ability to turn on inside pitches. Despite this, Riley still managed to show flashes of his former self, demonstrating that even at less than 100 percent, he is still an above-average major league hitter. The key takeaway from these two plagued seasons is not that his talent has diminished, but that his body needed time to recover from the grind of playing nearly every day.
Why Riley Can Rebound: Proven Track Record
One of the most encouraging signs for Riley’s comeback is his track record of resilience. Prior to these injury-riddled seasons, Riley was known for his durability and steady improvement. Elite hitters often go through periods where injuries derail their momentum, only to come back stronger the following year once they have had a full off-season to heal.
Furthermore, Riley’s approach at the plate has matured. Even when he wasn’t hitting for maximum power, he continued to draw walks and maintain a professional approach, allowing him to contribute to the team in ways other than just home runs. This disciplined approach suggests that once his physical strength returns, his power numbers will likely follow.
The Mental and Physical Refresh
A major factor in a player’s recovery is the mental break that comes after a tough season. Having two years of navigating injuries will likely make Riley even more focused on his physical conditioning. The Braves organization is known for its excellent training staff and focus on player health, which will play a critical role in getting him back to 100 percent.
The off-season provides the necessary time for injuries to fully heal, allowing Riley to regain the bat speed that made him so feared.
The Impact on the Braves
A return to form for Riley is not just a personal goal, it is central to the Braves aspirations for a World Series run. As a middle-of-the-order hitter, his presence changes the complexion of the lineup, providing protection for other stars like Ronald Acuna Jr. and Matt Olson. When Riley is hitting well, the entire Braves offense flows better.
Final Thoughts: Trusting the Talent
While the last two seasons have been frustrating for both Riley and Braves fans, it is premature to write off a player of his caliber. Injuries are a part of the game, but they do not inherently diminish a player’s long-term talent.
With a full off-season to heal and a proven track record of elite performance, all signs point to Riley returning to form in the upcoming season. The power, the consistency, and the MVP-caliber play are still there, Riley and the Braves just need a healthy body to bring them back to the forefront.
Main Image: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
