If you walked into Truist Park today and expected to see the exact same squad that won over 100 games a few seasons ago, you’d be in for a massive shock. Baseball moves fast. One minute you're celebrating a ring, and the next, you're looking at a 2026 Atlanta Braves depth chart that features a new manager, a revamped infield, and a pitching staff that’s been through the absolute ringer.
Honestly, it’s been a wild ride. Brian Snitker is gone—transitioning to an advisory role—and Walt Weiss has taken the reins. That’s the first thing you have to wrap your head around. The vibe is different. The faces are different. But the goal? That’s still the same. Alex Anthopoulos has been busy. He didn't just sit on his hands after a rough 2025; he went out and snagged Ha-Seong Kim and Jurickson Profar to plug some serious holes.
The Infield: A Korean Superstar and the "Old Guard"
The biggest headline for the Atlanta Braves depth chart heading into 2026 is undoubtedly the arrival of Ha-Seong Kim. For years, the shortstop position felt like a rotating door of "what-ifs" after Dansby Swanson left. Kim changes that instantly. He brings elite defense and a pesky bat that lengthens this lineup significantly.
📖 Related: Swansea City AFC News Now: Why the January Window Just Got Complicated
- First Base: Matt Olson. He’s the rock. Basically never misses a game.
- Second Base: Ozzie Albies. After dealing with a hamate bone fracture, he’s back and expected to be 100% for Spring Training.
- Shortstop: Ha-Seong Kim. The new engine of the infield.
- Third Base: Austin Riley. Coming off core muscle surgery, but he's the middle-of-the-order force this team needs.
Then you've got the bench. It's actually deeper than people think. Nacho Alvarez Jr. is the name everyone is watching. He’s the "break glass in case of emergency" guy for the infield, though Mauricio Dubón—another savvy pickup—will likely see more utility time because of his veteran presence.
What’s the deal with the Catchers?
This is where it gets a little tricky. Sean Murphy is recovering from a hip labral tear surgery he had late in 2025. The team is hopeful, but they aren't stupid. They know he might start the year on the IL. That opens the door for Drake Baldwin. Baldwin has surged up prospect lists and honestly, he might be the future. Expect a heavy rotation between Baldwin and Murphy (when healthy), with Jurickson Profar or the catchers taking turns at DH.
The 2026 Starting Rotation: Can They Stay Healthy?
Pitching wins championships, but only if the pitchers are actually on the mound. Last year was a nightmare. Between Spencer Strider’s recovery and Spencer Schwellenbach’s elbow fracture, the training room was busier than the bullpen.
✨ Don't miss: Becky Hammon Brenda Milano: The Truth About the WNBA Power Couple
- Chris Sale (LHP): The 2024 Cy Young winner is the undisputed ace. He’s older, sure, but his 2.58 ERA last year proved he’s still got that "dog" in him.
- Spencer Strider (RHP): The velocity was a bit down when he returned in 2025. If he finds that 100mph heater again, the league is in trouble.
- Spencer Schwellenbach (RHP): A total gamer. He’s recovered from the elbow fracture and should be ready for the opener.
- Hurston Waldrep (RHP): The kid is only 23. His split-finger is already legendary.
- Reynaldo López (RHP): He’s expected to report to camp with no restrictions after shoulder inflammation.
Wait, what about Grant Holmes? He’s currently the "sixth starter" or the swingman. He’s trying to avoid elbow surgery, which is always a scary sentence to read. If any of the top five stumble, expect to see AJ Smith-Shawver (once he's back from Tommy John) or a prospect like JR Ritchie getting the call.
The Bullpen: Firepower at the Back End
The Braves’ bullpen is sort of a "monster" right now. Raisel Iglesias is still the closer—that’s a lock. But the signing of Robert Suarez was a masterstroke. Imagine having a guy who could close for 20 other teams as your primary setup man.
Dylan Lee and Aaron Bummer provide the left-handed depth that Walt Weiss loves. Bummer, specifically, is coming back from shoulder inflammation, so keep an eye on his radar gun readings in March. The real wildcard is Joe Jimenez. He had a setback with his knee and might not be ready for April. If he’s out, it puts a lot more pressure on Joel Payamps and the young Hayden Harris. Harris is a fascinating arm—he posted a 0.52 ERA in the minors last year. That’s not a typo.
Outfield and the Ronald Acuña Jr. Factor
Ronald Acuña Jr. in right field is the heartbeat of the franchise. He’s healthy, he’s fast, and he’s hitting homers. Michael Harris II is patrolling center field like he owns the place. Left field is where the new guy, Jurickson Profar, fits in. Profar had a career rebirth recently and provides a switch-hitting veteran bat that balances out the lineup perfectly. Mike Yastrzemski was another sneaky addition—he’ll play a lot of corner outfield when guys need a rest.
✨ Don't miss: West Virginia Basketball Statistics: What the Box Scores Actually Tell Us
Realities of the 2026 Season
Let’s be real for a second. The Atlanta Braves depth chart looks amazing on paper, but it’s fragile. You’re relying on several guys coming back from major surgeries (Riley, Murphy, Schwellenbach, Jimenez). If the injury bug bites again, the farm system is a bit top-heavy with pitching.
JR Ritchie and Cam Caminiti are the future, but they might not be ready to save a pennant race in July. The depth at shortstop is much better with Kim and Alvarez, but the outfield depth past the starters is basically Eli White and "hope for the best."
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
- Monitor Spring Training Velocity: Keep a close eye on Spencer Strider and Aaron Bummer. Their effectiveness depends entirely on their stuff returning to 2024 levels.
- Watch the Catcher Split: If Drake Baldwin outplays a recovering Sean Murphy in March, don't be surprised if the youngster gets the lion's share of starts early on.
- The "Opener" Potential: With Reynaldo López and Grant Holmes both having injury histories, Walt Weiss might utilize more "bullpen games" or openers than Brian Snitker ever did.
- Check the Waiver Wire: Alex Anthopoulos is famous for "minor" moves in late January. Watch for a veteran bench bat or a depth starting pitcher signing to provide insurance for the back of the rotation.
The transition from the Snitker era to the Weiss era is officially here. It’s a roster built on high-upside veterans and a few critical "bounce-back" candidates. If the health holds, this is a World Series roster. If it doesn't, we're going to see a lot of Triple-A Gwinnett faces in the big leagues by June.