It’s never too early to start dreaming about Opening Day, and with the season the Atlanta Braves have had, fans are eager to turn the calendar to next season. Luckily, Atlanta’s frustrations were not the result of a rebuilding squad or a lack of skill. Rather, injuries and slumps scrapped much of 2025. Expect the Braves to trot out much the same lineup as this season when baseball returns next March, but we can always hope for a few upgrades.
Our Way-To-Early 2026 Braves Lineup:
- Ronald Acuña Jr., RF
- Jurickson Profar, DH
- Matt Olson, 1B
- Austin Riley, 3B
- Drake Baldwin, C
- Bo Bichette, SS
- Ozzie Albies, 2B
- Michael Harris II, CF
- Tommy Pham, LF
The easiest decision for the Braves to make is what it always has been: put Acuña at the top of the lineup. The former MVP has a ridiculous .921 OPS as a leadoff hitter and is the kind of spark plug the Braves need to shake the memories of 2025. Yes, Acuña has ceded the leadoff spot to Profar in recent weeks, but a new season may call for an old approach.
The Braves may have to swing some high-profile free agent signings to succeed in 2026.
Profar, then, falls to No. 2 in the order and takes on Marcell Ozuna’s DH role. His glove, like Ozuna’s before him, is a liability in left field, so this shift maximizes his production while minimizing the harm. Profar also has a 11.9% walk rate, allowing him to effectively set the table for sluggers like Olson and Riley. If Riley’s abdominal surgery recovery goes slowly, Nacho Alvarez Jr. may have to slot in at the hot corner, but we’ll remain hopeful.
The bottom half of the lineup is where the changes begin. Given the fact that Sean Murphy is finally receiving treatment for an injury that plagued him for three years, he could once again be the Braves’ No. 1 backstop, but perhaps the nagging injury is indicative of a decline in his playing abilities. I’m going Baldwin here. It’s time for him to take the throne.
The two big acquisitions on this lineup land in the bottom three spots in the order, bookending the up-and-down Albies. Nick Allen has his upside thanks to his glove, but with Riley and Murphy potentially ailing and Ozuna likely gone, Atlanta needs more pop in the lineup. Bichette is going to cost a pretty penny, which could limit the Braves’ pursuit of a starting pitcher and an outfielder. As a result, I think Atlanta saves a buck by signing Pham, who has had a surprisingly good season with Pittsburgh.
Of course, this is all putting the cart before the horse, especially since the 2025 season is still rolling along. But a fan can dream, right?