Can the Franchise Rebound in 2026?

The Atlanta Braves, once touted as a dynasty in the making, have fallen flat in the 2025 season. After a promising start, the team has struggled with injuries, inconsistent performances, and a lack of depth, leading to a disastrous 2025 campaign. As the season draws to a close, the Braves face a daunting task: to rebuild and recover from the disappointment of this year’s performance.

The Braves’ pitching rotation has been a major culprit in their downfall. The team had high hopes for a strong rotation, led by Cy Young winner Chris Sale, but injuries have plagued the starters. Spencer Strider, a key component of the rotation, has struggled since returning from injury, while other starters like Bryce Elder and AJ Smith-Shawver have failed to impress. The team has had to scramble to fill the gaps, signing veterans like Carlos Carrasco and Cal Quantrill to stabilize the rotation. However, the results have been mixed, with the Braves ranking 23rd in the majors in rotation ERA.

The Braves’ offense has also been a disappointment, failing to match the historic numbers of the 2023 team. Ronald Acuna Jr., one of the team’s top players, has been outstanding since returning from injury, but other key players like Ozzie Albies and Matt Olson have struggled with injuries and inconsistent performances. Albies, in particular, has been a concern, with his batting average and on-base percentage plummeting from his 2023 numbers. The team’s lack of depth has been exposed, with players like Bryan De La Cruz and Jarred Kelenic struggling to fill the gaps. De La Cruz, who was brought in to provide a boost to the outfield, has hit just .166 in 24 games, while Kelenic has been even worse, hitting .167 in 24 games before being sent down to Triple-A.

The bullpen has also been a concern, with closer Raisel Iglesias struggling with blown saves and losses. Iglesias, who was expected to be a key component of the bullpen, has seen his ERA balloon from 3.81 in 2023 to 4.19 in 2025. The team will need to find a new closer in the offseason, with Iglesias hitting free agency.

Despite the challenges, Braves fans can take heart from the team’s young core players, including Acuna, Riley, and Albies, who are all in their prime years. The team also has a promising young hitter in Marcell Ozuna, who has shown flashes of brilliance in his limited playing time. Ozuna, who is a free agent after the season, will likely be a key target for the Braves in the offseason.

The Braves’ management will need to address their pitching injuries and inconsistent performances in the offseason. A healthy Sale and a better Strider would go a long way to fixing the rotation. The team will also need to find a quality fourth outfielder and improve their bullpen. The Braves will also need to address their lack of depth at shortstop, with Nick Allen struggling to hit for the team.

The Braves’ financial situation is also a concern, with the team facing significant payroll constraints in the offseason. The team will need to balance their desire to improve the roster with the need to stay within their budget.

While the 2025 season has been a disappointment, the Braves’ management has a solid foundation to rebuild and recover. With a healthy roster and a good offseason, the team can return to the playoff chase next season. The Braves’ history of success and their strong farm system give them a solid foundation to build on, and fans can be optimistic about the team’s future prospects.

In an effort to address their pitching injuries, the Braves have been linked to several free agent starters, including Walker Buehler, who was released by the Boston Red Sox earlier this week. Buehler, a two-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion, has struggled with injuries in recent years, but has shown flashes of brilliance on the mound. The Braves may also look to the trade market to address their pitching needs, with several teams rumored to be looking to move starting pitchers.

Overall, the Braves’ collapse in 2025 has been a disappointment, but it has also provided the team with an opportunity to rebuild and recover. With a healthy roster and a good offseason, the team can return to the playoff chase next season and make a run at the World Series.