This player is making an impact early in spring training.
The Atlanta Braves are currently preparing for the 2026 MLB season in spring training. While some players already have spots on the Opening Day roster locked up, others are participating for an opportunity to make the '26 big league ball club. One player who has stood out early in Braves' spring training camp is veteran outfielder Ben Gamel.
It is worth noting that Gamel has just two games played and five at-bats so far this spring. Nevertheless, he is performing well in the limited sample size, hitting .400 with a 1.700 OPS. He has hit one home run and one double to go along with three RBI.
It is obviously too early to guarantee a big regular season from Gamel, but is he a player who could impact the Braves in 2026?
Ben Gamel's Potential 2026 Outlook With Braves
Gamel, 33, is a veteran who made his MLB debut in 2016. In 723 total big leagues games, the left-handed hitter has slashed .252/.334/.382. Gamel last appeared in an MLB game in 2024, but perhaps he can make the Braves' roster in 2026.
As a left-handed hitter, Gamel offers far more power against right-handed pitching. 36 of his 41 career home runs have come against right-handers. However, he has a .252 batting average against both righties and lefties, so he is capable of facing southpaws if necessary.
If he were to make Atlanta's Opening Day roster, Gamel would likely serve in a fourth or fifth outfield role. Most of his plate appearances would come against right-handed pitching.
The issue is that the only right-handed bat in the starting outfield is Ronald Acuna Jr. When healthy, he is going to play most of the time as a superstar. Meanwhile, Michael Harris II and Mike Yastrzemski are left-handed hitters. So even if Braves manager Walt Weiss wants to bring in a replacement for either player late in a game if a left-handed reliever is pitching, Gamel would likely not be the preferred option to pinch-hit.
With all of that being said, the Braves have him in spring training for a reason. Gamel may play well enough to force Atlanta into giving him an opportunity. He will need to perform at a high level for more than two games of course, but Ben Gamel is off to a strong start so far this spring.
He has been a pleasant surprise up to this point.