The Atlanta Braves have been one of the most fearsome teams in the National League for the past several years, and though they have only won one World Series, they always feature standout performances.
Now that they have the injury-plagued campaign of 2025 behind them, they can look forward to contention and possible award winners. Here are the most likely MVP candidates for Atlanta this season.
The Braves’ MVP candidates’ fate may depend on Atlanta’s performance as a team in 2026
Superstars: Ronald Acuña Jr.
Honestly, Ronald Acuña Jr. is the only player fit to be in this tier based on his potential, pedigree, and importance to the team. If he stays healthy and productive, he is easily a 30-30 candidate. He already seems in top form for Venezuela, and Atlanta will hope for the same. The Braves live and die by Acuña, and if the Braves take home the NL East crown, look for him to take home his second MVP. Acuña has added incentive due to the options tied to his contract for 2027 and 2028.
Lineup regulars: Austin Riley, Matt Olson, Drake Baldwin, Michael Harris II
Matt Olson is the definition of a regular. He has played every game for the Braves since he landed with the club in 2022. He came closest to an MVP campaign in 2023 when he bashed 54 homers and 100+ runs and RBIs. Olson will, no doubt, anchor the Braves’ lineup in 2026, but a superlative campaign is needed for him to take home MVP honors.
Austin Riley has something to prove in his return from injury, and he knows it. In spring training, he has posted a 1.423 OPS and is walking far more than usual. Surgery on his abdominals may indicate that his future is at first or DH, so now is as good a time as any for him to emerge as a top slugger. Drake Baldwin and Michael Harris II already have hardware in their trophy case, thanks to Rookie of the Year Awards in 2025 and 2022, respectively. Baldwin is an offensive sparkplug that will split time between catcher and DH, and Harris has a standout glove.
Support staff: Ozzie Albies, Mike Yastrzemski, Mauricio Dubón
Ozzie Albies was once as lauded as a star as Acuña, but his struggles at the plate (his slugging percentage has fallen almost 15% since 2023) have pushed him down to a lower tier. His energy and fun-loving attitude are respected in the clubhouse, but his performance doesn’t scream MVP.
Mike Yastrzemski and Mauricio Dubón were key pickups for the Braves this offseason. Dubón, especially, might be the MVP of the club due to Ha-Seong Kim’s injury, but neither will have the impact of a true MVP.