Atlanta Braves logo (Image Credits: Imagn)

Atlanta Braves 2026 Projected Lineup: Batting Order, Rotation & More

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports
By Paranjoy Goswami | Last updated Feb 20, 2026 1:37 PM ET

Fans of the Atlanta Braves would probably want to forget the 2025 campaign. The team finished fourth in the National League West after ending with a 76-86 record. They missed the playoffs for the first time since 2017, with injuries ravaging their entire roster.

The injury bug still prevails in the Atlanta Braves clubhouse. Ha-Seong Kim will be unavailable for at least two months, while Austin Riley and Sean Murphy are also doubtful for the Opening Day lineup. Meanwhile, Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep are out of their rotation.

Atlanta Braves 2026 Projected Batting Order

Ronald Acuna Jr (Image Credit: Imagn)

Ronald Acuna Jr. (RF)
Jurickson Profar (DH)
Matt Olson (1B)
Austin Riley (3B)
Drake Baldwin (C)
Mike Yastrzemski/Eli White (LF)
Ozzie Albies (2B)
Michael Harris II (CF)
Mauricio Dubón (SS)

The Atlanta Braves pose a big threat with the top of their batting lineup led by one of the best leadoff hitters of the game in Ronald Acuna Jr. Jurickson Profar may get the no. 2 spot, but he may largely be limited to a DH role. Matt Olson and Austin Riley bring the power to this lineup.

Mike Yastrzemski and Eli White may share platoon roles in left field. The bottom of the Braves’ lineup seems a bit light, as Ozzie Albies and Michael Harris II were both well below par with the bat last season. Mauricio Dubón will fill in for Ha-Seong Kim at shortstop.

Atlanta Braves 2026 Projected Starting Rotation

Chris Sale (Image Credits: Imagn)

Chris Sale (LHP)
Spencer Strider (RHP)
Reynaldo lopez (RHP)
Grant Holmes (RHP)
Bryce Elder (RHP)

Chris Sale will head into his third season with the Atlanta Braves after two outstanding years with the team. Keeping the veteran lefty healthy is pivotal to their fortunes. Spencer Strider will also need to be at his dominant best after returning from Tommy John surgery last year.

The back of the Atlanta Braves’ rotation could become a concern with Spencer Schwellenbach, Hurston Waldrep, and A.J. Smith-Shaver on the IL. Therefore, Reynaldo Lopez, Grant Holmes, and Bryce Elder will have to step up with solid outings on a consistent basis.

Atlanta Braves 2026 Projected Bullpen

Raisel Iglesias (Image Credits: Imagn)

Closers: Robert Suárez (RHP)
Setup Man: Raisel Iglesias (RHP)
Middle Relievers: Joel Payamps (RHP), Tyler Kinley (RHP), Ian Hamilton (RHP), Andrew Bummer (LHP)

The bullpen is one area where the Atlanta Braves seem stronger than they were on Opening Day of last season. Raisel Iglesias returned to the team, with Robert Suárez also joining in for 2026, which means they have two bona fide closers in their ranks.

The Atlanta Braves brought back Joel Payamps and Tyler Kinley to their bullpen for the upcoming campaign. They also signed Ian Hamilton, with Andrew Bummer likely to be their primary left-handed reliever.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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