The Atlanta Braves are off to a hot start in 2026. Despite starting the season with Spencer Strider, Spencer Schwellenbach, Hurston Waldrep and Ha-Seong Kim on the injured list, they still have found a way to win ballgames.
Atlanta is 6-4 to start the season and sits just a half-game back of the Miami Marlins for the top spot in the National League East. While they still need some help on the pitching side, the Braves are playing good baseball and find themselves right in the thick of the playoff race early in the season.
In last week’s MLB.com power rankings, the Braves sat in the No. 13 spot. This week, they have climbed to the No. 4 spot.
“Despite all that went wrong before the season even started — Spencer Strider, Spencer Schwellenbach and Ha-Seong Kim all began the season on the injured list and Jurickson Profar was suspended for the entire season for PED use — the Braves have been one of baseball’s best teams,” Brent Maguire wrote.
Atlanta Braves Off to Strong Start
The Braves still have Chris Sale and Reynaldo Lopez leading their starting rotation, even without some of their key pieces. The team went 76-86 last year, missing the postseason and posting a losing record for the first time since 2017.
However, they appear to have put that behind them. So far, they are off to a good start this season and have a chance to be a clear contender in the National League. They had reached the postseason in seven consecutive years before ultimately falling short in 2025.
But even with the injuries that they are dealing with, they are proving that they are still a strong team and cannot be counted out of the picture just yet. There is a lot of time left in the 2026 season, but the Braves appear to have moved past their struggles from 2025.
There is a lot to be excited about thus far, and once their injured pitchers come back, they should be in much better shape. If there is one area of concern, it’s their starting rotation, but they have managed to start strong despite some key injuries in that department.
The Braves had to replace Brian Snitker as their manager, who retired last season. So far, Walt Weiss has done well, even with limited resources at his disposal. He had served as the team’s bench coach under Snitker before being promoted to the managerial position.
Braves’ Season Depends on Pitching Staff
Ultimately, time will tell if the Braves’ strong start is sustainable. With several big bats in their lineup, their offense should be in good shape, especially now that Ronald Acuna Jr. has come back from his injury.
The main key will be their pitching staff. If Schwellenbach, Strider and Waldrep can get healthy and if the team can stay in contention, the additions of those pitchers will give the Braves a major boost as they look for ways to get back to the top of the NL East and return to the postseason for the eighth time in the last nine years.
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