4 spring training clips that will have Braves fans ready to run through a wall

There is a renewed sense of optimism that arrives with spring training for any baseball fan. Expectations feel tangible, the sound off Ronald Acuña Jr.’s bat carries a little more significance, and each bullpen session or live batting practice fuels conversation about what the 2026 Braves could become.

After consecutive seasons marked by high expectations and underwhelming finishes, spring in North Port represents more than routine preparation—it is an opportunity for established stars to refine their form, emerging talent to assert itself, and the clubhouse to recalibrate its focus toward a meaningful run in October.

It carries a bit of a first-day-of-school atmosphere. Media members gather around each player as they arrive in North Port, creating a steady stream of memorable clips and insightful quotes from players and coaches alike. Even though we are only a few days into this year’s spring training, Braves fans are already combing through a wave of intriguing content, eager for any glimpse of what the season might hold.

4 spring training clips that will really get Braves fans excited for this season

Ronald Acuna Jr.'s batting practice still has that distinct sound

The Braves’ franchise cornerstone provided a lighthearted moment during one of his batting practice rounds on Wednesday, as a family member or friend waited beyond the left-field wall in hopes of catching one of his towering home runs. Braves fans will be pleased to hear that Ronald Acuña Jr. was driving balls with such authority that the only realistic chance of snagging one would have required circling the entire stadium.

Acuna Jr. tells reporters he is 200% entering 2026

Across baseball, there is widespread hope that Ronald Acuña Jr. can once again navigate a full season in good health. The last time he did, he delivered an MVP campaign for the Atlanta Braves that will be remembered as one of the most remarkable individual seasons in recent history. Although Acuña told reporters he is focused primarily on team success rather than chasing another 40/40 milestone, he still lifted spirits with a confident assessment of his health as he enters the 2026 season.

Spencer Strider focused on the slow build

Atlanta Braves right-hander Spencer Strider is aiming to rebound after what he described as a disappointing 2025 campaign. Nearly two full calendar years removed from his internal brace procedure, the former Clemson Tigers standout believes he is positioned to rediscover the dominant traits that led to a top-five Cy Young Award finish in 2023. Still, Strider has emphasized patience this spring, telling reporters he is focused on trusting the progression of his build-up rather than rushing results.

New pitching coach adds a little fuel to the NL East fire

The Atlanta Braves arrived in North Port this year with a revamped coaching staff, and new pitching coach Jeremy Hefner quickly endeared himself to Braves Country. During a media scrum, Hefner referred to the rival New York Mets as “that other team up north,” a remark that underscores the intensity of the NL East rivalry. Hefner spent the previous six seasons with the Mets before being dismissed, after which Atlanta moved swiftly to add him to Walt Weiss’ staff.