After an, let’s call it uncharacteristic, 2025 season, the Atlanta Braves are heading into 2026 with the ultimate goal of proving that the “rebound” is real. The core is still largely there, the payroll is still substantial, and Alex Anthopoulos is still running the show. However, if you think the Braves are just going to roll out of the bed and win 100 games, you haven’t been paying attention to the injury reports.
As we look toward spring training, Atlanta has plenty of talent, but even more questions. Here are the five biggest burning questions facing the 2026 Braves.
What Are the Biggest Questions Facing the 2026 Braves?
1. How Healthy is the Starting Rotation, Truly?
This is without a doubt, the top question. The rotation is built on a “what if” foundation right now. You have Chris Sale defying aging, but carrying a long injury history. You also have Spencer Strider, who is supposed to be the ace when he’s at his best, but he is still trying to regain his form post-injury.
The situation became more dire in early 2026 with news that Spencer Schwellenbach is set to miss significant time (at least two months) following an arthroscopic procedure to remove bone spurs from his right elbow. Hurston Waldrep is also dealing with a sore elbow and is set to miss significant time. With Reynaldo Lopez dealing with lingering shoulder issues and having limited innings in 2025, the Braves are relying heavily on depth pieces like Grant Holmes and Bryce Elder to fill massive gaps.
There’s no question that this rotation is extremely talented, but will Atlanta have any of their five best guys in July? That sounds dramatic, but if you follow the Braves closely, then you know it is a legitimate question.
2. Can the Offense Reclaim its Elite Status?
The 2025 Braves offense didn’t look like the 2023 juggernaut. It was…fine. But fine doesn’t win the World Series. With Ronald Acuna Jr. leading the charge, the lineup should be explosive, but it relies on bounce-back campaigns from Matt Olson and Austin Riley.
The team is also debating a strategic shift. After years of focusing on sheer power, there are discussions about emphasizing more contact hitting to avoid the lulls they experience in 2025. Will they stay true to the “swing hard” approach, or will they evolve? The rise of Drake Baldwin will also be critical to providing production from the catcher position, as he will have to lead the way with Sean Murphy set to miss time to start the season.
 3. What if the Dubon/Mateo Combination Doesn’t Work?
If the Mauricio Dubon and Jorge Mateo combination fails to secure the shortstop position following Ha-Seong Kim‘s injury, the Braves will likely face significant instability in their infield defense and offensive production. This failure would pressure the team to rely on other internal options or seek external trades to fill the crucial void.
Atlanta needs a shortstop who can play reliable defense and be league-average at the plate, something they haven’t truly had since Dansby Swanson left, excluding an excellent first half of the season in 2023 by Orlando Arcia. Atlanta doesn’t need greatness out of their shortstop, but this position has been abysmal in recent memory and must be sorted out to stop the bleeding.
4. Is Albies’ Long-Term Future in Atlanta?
Ozzie Albies is a beloved figure in Atlanta, but the 2026 season represents a critical juncture for him and the team. Following an underwhelming 2025, there was legitimate talk about whether the Braves should consider trading him by the 2026 trade deadline if he doesn’t bounce back early.
If Albies is playing well, he’s a massive trade chip that could fill a huge rotation hole. Not what Braves fans want to hear, but it could be necessary if the injuries keep piling up. If he’s struggling, his trade value plummets even more than it already has and Atlanta may have to get out while they still can get something in return. The uncertainty around his future makes him one of the most interesting storylines in Atlanta this year.
5. Will Anthopoulos Gamble on In-House Depth or Make a Big Move?
Anthopoulos is known for making unexpected, high-impact moves. With the rotation falling apart before spring training even started, the question is: does he trust the depth or does he go out and sign a starter like Lucas Giolito?
The team needs to add at least one more high-leverage arm to feel comfortable, especially with Schwellenbach down. With the injuries stacking up, this 2026 season could be the ultimate test of the Braves’ scouting and developmental staff’s ability to find diamonds in the rough. The Braves have the star power to win it all, but the pitching staff is currently held together with, well, optimism.
Main Image: © Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
