2026 MLB First-Half Recap: Atlanta Braves

The Pitching

The Good

In a year where the Braves have returned to elite status, that’s started with the offense.

While Ronald Acuna Jr. has had another injury-riddled season, thanks to hamstring problems that’ve popped up throughout the year, the Braves’ offense was led by Matt Olson in the first half. Olson, arguably the most productive first baseman in the league heading into the break, had 25 home runs and 49 extra-base hits over 95 games. A very good year for most players — and Olson still has two months to add.

Ozzie Albies‘ 2025 season was rough. His 2025 season ended due to a fractured hamate bone, finishing off a significantly down year. But in 2026, 14 home runs and 25 extra-base hits, en route to a selection to the 2026 All-Star Game.

Drake Baldwin hit just .154 over the last month. And yet, the 2026 NL All-Star was still one of the best offensive catchers in the game thanks to 15 home runs.

And then there’s Michael Harris II. Harris II made an in-season adjustment last season to raise his hands, which helped unlock a new form and not only salvaged his 2025 season — but also carried over into 2026. The 25-year-old slashed .296/.329/.488 with 16 home runs before the break. He’s still highly aggressive but when Harris II makes contact, he can do damage.

As for the pitching staff, last year was an odyssey in terms of the rotation. It hasn’t been close to that in 2026.

Chris Sale was one of the best pitchers in the first half, as the former NL Cy Young winner struck out 117 over 98 innings and posted a 2.20 ERA, en route to another All-Star Game berth. But Sale wasn’t the only one to contribute heavily to the rotation.

No, the Braves didn’t have Spencer Schwellenbach, arguably the most valuable starter on the team aside from Sale. And no, Spencer Strider didn’t return to his pre-2024 form when he was healthy and on the mound. However, the likes of Bryce Elder, Grant Holmes, and even Martin Perez have successfully eaten innings.

And as for the bullpen, it’s been one of baseball’s best in 2026. Dylan Lee, the top lefty in the pen, struck out 53 over 43 innings in the first half. Robert Suarez posted a sub-1.00 ERA. Didier Fuentes‘ stuff has fit in nicely in the bullpen. And there’s Raisel Iglesias, who only blew one save opportunity in the first half.

The Bad

Getting back to Strider, he’s not that pitcher who can overwhelm as he did before the brace surgery two years ago. Strider topped out at 98 MPH this season, mainly in two-strike counts. However, a lot of 93-95 MPH heaters this season, part of the year where he walked 20 over 39 innings and allowed nine home runs.

Back to the lineup, obviously, it would be nice to have Ronald Acuna Jr. for the second half and into the stretch run. But what has also been a problem is that the Braves’ big offseason signings, aside from Suarez, haven’t delivered as hoped.

Ha-Seong Kim, who re-signed with the Braves in the winter, went 5-73 in his first games back from a finger injury that kept him out to start the year. He lost footing in the shortstop race, as Jorge Mateo and rookie Jim Jarvis have been more productive.

Mike Yastrzemski, who signed after a great run with the Royals last year, slashed .230/.321/.365 (.686 OPS) heading into the break.

Lastly, Austin Riley didn’t get going in the first half. Riley slashed .207/.288/.329 (.617 OPS).

Looking Forward

The Braves entered the break in first place in the NL East. However, the Phillies and Marlins are hot on their trail.

Ronald Acuna Jr. could be that “in-season acquisition.” But it will be interesting to see what the Braves do to upgrade their squad. Even though it hasn’t been the most productive year in terms of what the Braves have received on the left side of the infield, it’s hard to envision Atlanta going big.

But the rotation? Something to watch.