A Complete Breakdown of the Braves Roster, Injuries, Lineup, and Season Outlook
Entering the 2026 season, the Atlanta Braves are hopeful to bounce back coming off of a disappointing 2025 campaign. In his first season at the helm, manager Walt Weiss looks to pilot a loaded roster as a familiar face in a new role. After a 2025 season where seemingly no one could stay healthy, the Braves added some depth and look to play with a level of consistency this year that can keep the fanbase chopping into October.
That is, if they can limit the injuries that are already piling up as we approach Opening Day. Speaking of injuries, let’s take a look at what the Braves are dealing with to start the year.
Key Injuries
Jurickson Profar (LF/DH) — Out for Season
This is the biggest blow to Atlanta’s roster. Profar was handed a 162-game suspension for violating MLB’s PED policy for the second time. After signing a three-year, $42 million deal following a career-best season in 2024, his time in Atlanta has essentially been derailed. Between suspensions and missed time, Profar will have played just 80 games across two seasons. The Braves now turn to Mike Yastrzemski to step into a much larger role than originally planned.
Ha-Seong Kim (SS) — Out until late May / early June
After moving on from Orlando Arcia, Atlanta found stability in Kim, who delivered a strong second half last season. The Braves brought Kim back on a one year deal but a freak injury in South Korea resulted in a torn tendon in his finger. His absence leaves a major hole at shortstop early in the season.
Sean Murphy (C/DH) — Out until early to mid May
Murphy is recovering from hip surgery. While his absence hurts, the emergence of Rookie of the Year Drake Baldwin softens the blow. Still, Murphy’s veteran presence and power bat will be missed early.
Hurston Waldrep (SP) — Expected Return June / July
Waldrep burst onto the scene last season, finishing 6-1 with a 2.88 ERA. Now dealing with elbow inflammation, the Braves will be cautious with his return as he remains a key piece of the future.
AJ Smith-Shawver (SP) — Likely Out for Season
Recovering from Tommy John surgery, Smith-Shawver is unlikely to contribute significantly this year.
Joey Wentz (SP) — Out for Season
A depth arm lost to an ACL tear, Wentz’s absence removes valuable rotation insurance.
Spencer Strider (SP) — 30–60 Days
Strider’s struggles last season were well documented following his return from Tommy John surgery. Now dealing with an oblique strain, the Braves are once again forced to wait for their former ace to return to form.
Spencer Schwellenbach (SP) — Midseason Return
After an impressive 2025, Schwellenbach was expected to be a key rotation piece before undergoing surgery for bone spurs. His return could be a major boost.
Free Agency
The Braves’ offseason was relatively quiet. While fans hoped for a major splash, Alex Anthopoulos focused more on depth than star power. Chris Sale, Ha-Seong Kim, and Raisel Iglesias were all retained on short-term deals. The additions of Mike Yastrzemski and Robert Suarez headline the new faces. Suarez, in particular, is expected to play a massive role in stabilizing the bullpen.
Starting Pitching
The rotation is where injuries have hit hardest. Without several key arms, the Braves enter the season shorthanded. Chris Sale anchors the staff. If healthy, he remains one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball. Reynaldo Lopez follows as a high-upside option returning from injury. Grant Holmes and Bryce Elder round out the middle, while Didier Fuentes steps into a surprising early role.
Opening Day Rotation:
Chris Sale
Reynaldo Lopez
Grant Holmes
Bryce Elder
Didier Fuentes
Expect this group to look very different by midseason.
Bullpen
The bullpen is an area of optimism. After a frustrating 2025, Atlanta addressed its biggest weakness by adding Robert Suarez. Pairing him with Raisel Iglesias gives the Braves flexibility late in games. With arms like Dylan Lee, Aaron Bummer, Jose Suarez, Tyler Kinley, and Joel Payamps, this group should be significantly improved.
Infield
When healthy, this is one of the best infields in baseball. Matt Olson remains a model of consistency and power. Austin Riley is primed for a big season, while Ozzie Albies looks to bounce back after a down year. Drake Baldwin continues to grow behind the plate, and Mauricio Dubon fills in at shortstop until Kim returns.
Outfield
Ronald Acuna Jr. headlines the group as one of the most dynamic players in the game. Michael Harris looks to build on a strong finish to last season, while Mike Yastrzemski steps into a larger role following Profar’s suspension.
DH
The designated hitter position is now a question mark with Ozuna’s departure. Dominic Smith is the likely primary option, though expect some rotation depending on matchups.
Projected Lineup:
RF – Ronald Acuna Jr.
C – Drake Baldwin
1B – Matt Olson
3B – Austin Riley
LF – Mike Yastrzemski
2B – Ozzie Albies
DH – Dominic Smith
CF – Michael Harris
SS – Mauricio Dubon
Final Thoughts
This Braves team is a contender for a reason. While injuries create uncertainty, the talent on this roster is undeniable. If Atlanta can stay competitive early and get healthy at the right time, they have the potential to win 90–100 games and make a deep postseason run. With big seasons from Sale, Olson, Acuna, and Riley, the Braves remain one of the biggest threats in the National League and a legitimate contender to challenge the Dodgers in 2026.
