The Atlanta Braves Infield Has a Lot to Prove in 2026

Atlanta Braves’ infield faces a make-or-break 2026 as Matt Olson anchors a lineup searching for bounce-back seasons from Ozzie Albies and Austin Riley. Can rookie sensation Drake Baldwin and a returning Sean Murphy form MLB’s top catching duo? With Ha-seong Kim’s health in question, will defensive whiz Mauricio Dubón or super-sub Jorge Mateo step up at shortstop?

Jake Mastroianni breaks down critical positional battles, Fangraphs projections, and spring training buzz, highlighting lineup experiments featuring Ronald Acuña Jr. and standout moments from young arms J.R. Ritichie and Garrett Baumann. Key storylines include Albies’ power surge hopes, Riley’s bid for a return to elite status, and the domino effects of injuries on Braves’ depth. Will Atlanta’s infield upgrades spark a return to dominance—or are there bigger issues lurking beneath the surface?

 

 

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