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ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JULY 18: Ronald Acuña Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves advances to third base on a sacrifice fly by Drake Baldwin #30 in the first inning against the New York Yankees at Truist Park on July 18, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The New Year is just a few days away, and for the Atlanta Braves, they are hoping that 2026 features more success than 2025 did. The Braves have made meaningful moves throughout the winter months so far, but the success of 2026 is very much predicated on the injury status of several key contributors.
That includes the health of Chris Sale, Spencer Schwellenbach, Ronald Acuña Jr, and Austin Riley. If all four of those players can have an injury-free 2026 campaign, Atlanta will likely not finish in fourth place in the NL East, as it did in 2025. Here are five bold predictions for the Atlanta Braves headed into the 2026 season (offseason moves included)
Braves Sign Zac Gallen to Three-Year Deal
Starting with an offseason bold prediction, the Braves are thought to be in the market for a starting pitcher this offseason, and while they may not go out and acquire one of the top remaining arms like Framber Valdez or Ranger Suarez, signing Zac Gallen to a three-year deal would be a cherry on top for an already productive offseason for the Braves. Gallen did not have his best season in 2025, but he’s made 28+ starts in four straight years, which makes him an attractive target for the Braves, who need arms that can eat innings.
Ronald Acuña Jr. Posts a 30/30 Season
It’s now been three seasons since Ronald Acuña Jr. hit 40 home runs, stole 70 bases, and won the NL MVP back in 2023. He’s played in just 144 games since then. However, the end of 2025 was a great sign for Ronald, and he finished this past season with 21 home runs and 9 stolen bases.
If he’s fully healthy, this should be an easy mark to reach, but that is why this is a bold prediction, because over the past two years, he hasn’t shown the ability to stay on the field. But again, 21 home runs in just 95 games is impressive, but how many times will the Braves have the “stolen base” sign on for Acuña Jr. in 2026?
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – JULY 18: Ronald Acuña Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves advances to third base on a sacrifice fly by Drake Baldwin #30 in the first inning against the New York Yankees at Truist Park on July 18, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
That’s what will make or break this specific prediction, as Ronald has swiped just 25 bags since 2023.
Spencer Schwellenbach Finishes Top-5 in NL CY Young Voting
Now we’re getting bold. Spencer Schwellenbach has flashed ace tendencies when he’s been on the mound in each of the past two seasons. However, he’s been limited to just 21 and 17 starts in each of his first two seasons in MLB. Over 234.1 career innings, Schwellenbach has a 3.23 ERA, 235 strikeouts, and just walks.
I’m no team doctor, but part of me thinks the Braves shut down Schwellenbach towards the middle of the 2025 season because they were out of the race, with hopes to rest him and assure he’s fully charged for the 2026 season. His walk rate is microscopic, and he strikes out about a batter/inning. Pair that with a sub-3.50 ERA over 30 starts, and that’s a recipe for a top-5 finish in the NL CY Young.
Robert Suarez Becomes Braves’ Closer By July
The Atlanta Braves signed closer Robert Suarez to a three-year, $45 million deal just a few weeks ago. Last month, they also re-signed incumbent closer Raisel Iglesias to a one-year, $16 million deal.
Suarez has 76 saves over the past two seasons, but the reports indicate that he will serve as the set-up man for Raisel Iglesias. That is certainly subject to change if Iglesias struggles in that closer role. After all, the Braves dished out $45 million for Suarez, and when you compare that contract to other relievers who received similar deals, they are all closers. If Iglesias struggles in the first few months of the season, it would not surprise me at all if Robert Suarez becomes the Braves’ closer in the middle of the summer.
Braves Win 90+ Games, Advance to NLCS
Saved the boldest for last. The Atlanta Braves finished 76-86 (fourth in NL East) in 2025. That won’t happen again. Does 90 wins get them the division crown? That remains to be seen, considering the Phillies won 96 games last season as division champs. However, 90+ wins will certainly get you to the MLB playoffs, where I predict the Braves will be able to advance to the NLCS and square off against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
With the Mets and Phillies also being competitive, predicting the division winner is difficult, but unlike in 2025, at least two teams from the NL East will make it to October, and Atlanta will be one of them.
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