The Atlanta Braves spent most of the past decade knowing exactly who they were. After a rough 2025, that certainty is gone, and 2026 will be about figuring out what comes next.
Atlanta finished the 2025 season 76–86, fourth in the NL East, marking the organization’s first losing season since 2017. Injuries and inconsistency exposed cracks that had been papered over in recent years, and when the season ended, the Braves responded with a change at the top.
Brian Snitker was replaced as manager, and the club turned to Walt Weiss to lead the next phase. The shift extended beyond the dugout. Atlanta also reworked its coaching staff, including the addition of pitching coach Jeremy Hefner, signaling a desire to modernize an area that faltered last season.
Since October 2025, the Braves have taken a targeted approach to reshaping the roster. They made a significant bullpen investment by signing Robert Suarez, giving them a proven late-inning arm to stabilize games. They re-signed shortstop Ha-Seong Kim on a one-year deal to lock in defense, speed, and versatility up the middle. They also added outfielder Mike Yastrzemski, bringing left-handed balance and depth to an outfield that needed both.
Those moves addressed immediate needs, but they did not close every gap.
The rotation remains a concern. Atlanta has arms with upside, but 2025 showed how thin the margin for error can be. With a new pitching coach in place, the Braves still could use a dependable starter to steady the group and protect against injury volatility.
The lineup also remains uneven. Ronald Acuña Jr. And Michael Harris II are foundational pieces, but the offense lacked consistent production last season. Yastrzemski helps with flexibility, not middle-of-the-order impact, and the designated hitter spot remains unsettled.
Bullpen depth is improved, but not complete. Suarez gives Atlanta a clear ninth-inning option, and the return of Raisel Iglesias gives them late-inning leverage, but they still need depth to avoid repeating late-game breakdowns.
As 2026 approaches, the Braves sit in unfamiliar territory. The old certainty is gone, replaced by a roster that looks competitive but unfinished. Whether this becomes a bounce-back season or another year of transition will depend on what comes next and how quickly the new direction takes hold.
