Atlanta Braves fans enter offseason with one big reason for optimism

After finishing 76-86 in 2025, the Atlanta Braves have already begun turning the page ahead of next season, including the introduction of Walt Weiss as manager and making some big decisions with their pitching staff.

However, while some things may be different with the Braves, it's the familiarity of the roster that could have Atlanta back on top of the National League East sooner than later according to one writer.

Braves have one of the best rosters in the league

According to MLB.com's Mike Petriello, Atlanta's current roster is tied for third among all 30 MLB teams in terms of talent and potential. The Braves are tied with the Seattle Mariners for third and only rank behind the defending two-time world champion Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees, respectively.

Even better news for Braves fans? The New York Mets rank fifth, while the Philadelphia Phillies come in at ninth, meaning a pair of Atlanta's heated division rivals may have some catching up to do when it comes to improving their rosters to catch the Braves.

Of course, that's the catch with this ranking as it is based on the current roster. That means Pete Alonso isn't considered a Met and Kyle Schwarber isn't considered a Phillie since both their contracts have expired. Certainly both Philadelphia and New York are expected to be active this offseason, as are the Braves with Petriello listing shortstop, starting pitching and the bullpen as areas of need in Atlanta.

While there will need to be some improvements made by the Braves this offseason, the current mix that includes Ronald Acuna Jr., Austin Riley and Michael Harris II among others. Those three players (along with other Braves) had down years in 2025, and the potential of them returning to form in 2026 is a big reason why Atlanta ranks high on this list.

Those down years (and a rash of injuries) are one of the reasons why Atlanta underperformed last season and put together a surprisingly low number of wins based on their talent. The Braves started last offseason ranked second in this same exercise by Petriello so it's certainly an inexact science. However, if Braves fans are looking for a reason to already be excited about what could be a turnaround in 2026, it's clear there is a strong foundation to build upon at Truist Park.