Spring training is heating up and fans are becoming increasingly excited about the 2026 MLB season. In today's episode of The Roundtable Rundown Show, host Joey Mistretta breaks down the potential make-or-break players for the Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, Cincinnati Reds and Kansas City Royals. These players are not necessarily the best on their teams, but they are still All-Star caliber guys. 

Mistretta believes their performances will go a long way toward deciding how their teams perform during the 2026 campaign. Without further ado, here's a look at the four players. 

Yes, Chris Sale and Ronald Acuna Jr. are incredible superstars. Strider, however, features the ceiling of a star but has been inconsistent. 

He was tremendous in 2023 but endured an injury-plagued 2024 season, ultimately appearing in only two games. He did not look like the same pitcher in 2025, as he struggled across 23 starts.

With starters Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep already dealing with injuries in spring training, the Braves are going to need Strider to be on top of his game in 2026.

There was a time when Rutschman may have been considered arguably the best player on the Orioles. After back-to-back All-Star seasons in 2023 and 2024, Rutschman struggled in 2025, however. He was also limited to only 90 games played during the '25 campaign.

The O's still believe in Rutschman, but they will need him to have a good season if they want to return to the playoffs in 2026.

McLain displayed signs of potential in his rookie season, but he missed all of 2024 due to an injury. The infielder ended up struggling despite playing a full season in 2025. 

One has to imagine that McLain's season-long 2024 absence played a role in his forgettable '25 performance. He simply never found his rhythm last year. A bounce back offensive campaign for McLain would be pivotal for Cincinnati in 2026, as the team's offense features a number of questions. 

Ragans' presence may be somewhat surprising here, but he will likely make or break the Royal's season. Offensively, the team could upset expectations. The bullpen has potential. Kansas City's starting rotation is uncertain, though.

While pitchers such as Kris Bubic, Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha can all make impacts, the Royals need a legitimate ace. 

Ragans finished fourth in American League Cy Young voting in 2024. In 2025, the pitcher struggled while being limited to 13 outings. A full season could lead to a rebound campaign for Ragans in 2026.