The Atlanta Braves have positioned themselves as MLB’s top bounce‑back candidate as the 2026 season approaches. As long as the Braves stay healthy, the team has a retooled roster with the ability to make another run to the World Series.
There are still several familiar faces on the active roster who can make that happen, including right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. and second baseman Ozzie Albies, two players who have spent their entire careers in Atlanta.
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Acuna is set to enter his ninth season with the Braves, fully healthy and looking to continue his dominance as one of the faces of the league.
Albies is entering his tenth season hoping to reestablish his value as an infielder as he approaches unrestricted free agency.
Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
(Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images)
As the 2026 MLB season draws closer, Acuna and Albies have continued to strengthen their bond off the field.
The two have been major contributors for Atlanta and share a similar journey to the big leagues.
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On Saturday, Albies joined a trending social media challenge by posting an AI‑generated video of himself dancing on the field in a Braves uniform, synced to a popular background track. He captioned it, “Ready for the 2026 season 😁.”
Acuna responded with his own message in the comment section. “Instagram gets weird with this 🤔🙃😂,” he wrote on Saturday.
Albies laughed it off, a small moment that highlighted the chemistry between the longtime teammates.
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Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. comments under a post by second baseman Ozzie Albies on Jan. 24, 2026@ronaldacunajr13 on Instagram
(@ronaldacunajr13 on Instagram)
That chemistry mirrors the on‑field impact both players are capable of delivering, especially as they enter another pivotal season in their careers.
Acuna is coming off a strong 2025 campaign in which he won National League Comeback Player of the Year after returning from his second ACL tear.
Across 95 games, he posted a .290 batting average, .417 on‑base percentage, .935 OPS, 21 home runs and 42 RBIs. His accolades continue to stack up, including an MVP award, Rookie of the Year honors, five All‑Star selections and three Silver Sluggers.
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Albies, meanwhile, is looking to rebound after another inconsistent season. At his peak, he became a three‑time All‑Star, a two‑time Silver Slugger and a key contributor to Atlanta’s 2021 World Series title.
Last year, the 29-year-old hit .240 with a .306 on‑base percentage, .671 OPS, 16 home runs and 74 RBIs across 157 games before suffering a left‑hand injury in the final week, an issue he has since fully recovered from.
With both players healthy, motivated and locked in, the Braves enter 2026 believing their core still has the firepower to reclaim their place among baseball’s elite.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.