Will the Braves win the NL East in 2026?
The Atlanta Braves are set to enter the 2026 MLB season with a number of questions. Can they overcome their already concerning amount of injuries? Will players such as Austin Riley and Michael Harris II bounce back?
It remains to be seen how well this Atlanta ball club will perform in 2026. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Phillies are preparing to return a fairly similar roster to their 2025 playoff contending squad. The New York Mets made a number of intriguing additions this past offseason, so they are expected to return to the postseason following a disappointing '25 campaign.
With that being said, the Phillies and Mets both lost important players in free agency. Pete Alonso signed with the Baltimore Orioles while Ranger Suarez joined the Boston Red Sox. Still, the teams are likely going to be the favorites in the National League East.
So, how can the Braves upset their rivals this year?
Bullpen, Bullpen, Bullpen
Bullpens are pivotal. The Braves' bullpen is underrated. Atlanta re-signed Raisel Iglesias to be the closer in 2026, while the team also added Robert Suarez. The relievers are poised to make a significant impact. With arms such as Dylan Lee, Tyler Kinley and Aaron Bummer also part of the reliever group, the Braves' bullpen could be one of the sneakiest in the sport.
If Atlanta is going to upset their opponents and win the division, the bullpen will need to lead the way.
Chris Sale
In order for the Braves to have any realistic chance of making the playoffs in 2026, Chris Sale will need to continue to perform at a high level. Atlanta's rotation is already battling multiple injury concerns and overall uncertainty. If Sale can stay healthy and pitch at a Cy Young level, then the Braves should be able to make some noise.
Sure, the offense will need to perform well. The Braves need players such as Ronald Acuna Jr. and Austin Riley to stay healthy as well. However, the lineup has plenty of potential and should perform well. Starting pitching is the real question mark on the roster.
If the bullpen performs up to its expectations and Chris Sale finishes within the top 10 of NL Cy Young voting (top five also is not out of the question), then the Braves will likely find themselves in postseason contention at the very least. Perhaps it will be for a Wild Card spot, but winning the division is realistic as well.