3 questions facing the Atlanta Braves this offseason

The Atlanta Braves didn't take long to return to the postseason.

After reaching the playoffs from 2018 through 2024, injuries torpedoed the Braves' chances in 2025, resulting in a disappointing 76-86 record. Although the Braves continued to battle injuries in 2026, they rebounded for a 94-68 record to win the NL East title before falling to the Dodgers in four games in the NLDS.

The task now is to take the next step. The NL East should be a difficult division in 2027. Likewise, the Braves will need to contend with the likes of the Dodgers, Padres and defending World Series champion Brewers. Returning to the World Series may be harder.

Three questions facing the Atlanta Braves

1. Can the Braves count on third baseman Austin Riley?

When Austin Riley signed his 10-year, $212 million extension during the 2022 season, it appeared to be a bargain for the Braves. Riley produced a .286/.354/.525 batting line in his 2070 plate appearances between 2021 and 2023, hitting 108 homers and 104 doubles. He was a two-time All-Star and finished in the top 10 of the NL MVP vote twice. The Braves appeared to have another star on their roster.

Instead, his production has declined since 2023, culminating in a .219/.290/.364 batting line with 19 homers and 21 doubles in his 630 plate appearances. Riley was still in the 72nd percentile or better in bat speed, average exit velocity, barrel rate and hard-hit rate. Getting Riley to rebound from his disastrous 2026 season would go a long way toward getting the Braves lineup on track.

2. Do the Braves bring Jurickson Profar back?

Profar's stint with the Braves has been an unmitigated disaster. He signed a three-year, $42 million contract during the 2024-25 offseason with the idea that he would be the answer in left field. Instead, Profar has played in only 80 games due to a pair of PED suspensions - an 80-game suspension in 2025 and a 162-game suspension in 2026.

Profar has spent the offseason in the Venezuelan Winter League in an attempt to get back into playing shape. He has been mediocre at best, posting a .268/.313/.341 batting line with three doubles in his 49 plate appearances entering Sunday. Profar's contract at this point is a sunk cost, and unless he can show something during spring training, the Braves may be better off moving on.

3. How do the Braves fill out the rotation?

In theory, the Braves have a strong trio atop the rotation in Chris Sale, Spencer Strider and Spencer Schwellenbach. Hurston Waldrep showed the potential to be a solid option in the rotation as well. However, Strider has struggled since undergoing internal brace surgery and has been unable to replicate his previous success. Schwellenbach missed the entire 2026 season while Waldrep made three mediocre appearances for the Braves. Mark Bowman from MLB.com reported that the Braves are not counting on Strider and/or Schwellenbach to remain in the rotation for the entire 2027 season.

At this point, the top three in the Braves rotation may be Sale, Bryce Elder and Grant Holmes. Trade deadline acquisition Tyler Mahle has publicly said that he wants to return to Atlanta and could be a perfect option. Didier Fuentes was a starter in the minors and could return to the rotation for the Braves in 2027. The Braves have options, but could stand to improve their depth while adding pieces for the rotation.