Will Riley bounce back this season?
Atlanta Braves star Austin Riley has been limited due to injuries in recent seasons. The 2022 and 2023 All-Star did not appear in more than 110 games in either 2024 or 2025. His performance has dwindled as well, but that may be a result of simply not playing on a consistent basis. Riley had a "normal offseason" this past offseason, however, so perhaps he will rebound during the 2026 MLB season.
"It was a normal offseason," Riley said recently, via MLB Network. "The previous offseason I was in a cast for 14 weeks, so I really didn't get to start hitting until January. But this year I actually started hitting a little earlier."
A normal offseason could mean that Riley is on track to bounce back. Of course, he will need to stay healthy. When Riley is on the field, he is capable of doing serious damage at the plate.
Will Austin Riley Get Back on Track This Season?
Riley finished within the top seven of National League MVP voting in each year from 2021-2023. He hit at least 33 home runs in each of those seasons as well. Additionally, Riley recorded an .861 OPS in each of those years.
In other words, Riley was tremendous from 2021-2023. He had underwhelming results in 2024 and 2025, though.
The '24 campaign saw Riley appear in just 110 games. He hit .256 with a .783 OPS and 19 home runs. In 2024, Riley hit .260 with a .737 OPS and 17 homers across 102 total games played.
Injuries and underperformance have unfortunately defined Riley's past two years. There is no reason to give up on him anytime soon, however. He is still only 28 years old. Riley is also under contract through the 2032 season, and his deal includes a club option for 2033.
Riley will still be a productive player even if he does not replicate his incredible 2021-2023 seasons. While he did underperform in 2024 and 2025, the numbers he recorded would be impressive for most players around the league.
With that being said, the Braves and Riley would obviously love to see him find that 2021-2023 form once again. Perhaps his normal offseason will spark a rebound performance.
The Braves are currently gearing up for the new campaign at spring training. Atlanta's next contest will be played on Sunday afternoon against the Tampa Bay Rays, with first pitch scheduled for 1:05 PM EST. The Braves will then play the Minnesota Twins on Monday afternoon at 1:05 PM EST.