(ATLANTA) — The Atlanta Braves are entering the 2026 season with a foundation built on star power and a roster that is largely defined by the high-value contracts signed by General Manager Alex Anthopoulos (AA). With the season starting right now, the lineup is a bold mix of proven MVPs, perennial All-Stars, and stop-gap solutions addressing the team’s two massive roster holes: Shortstop and Designated Hitter (DH).
Here is the projected 2026 Opening Day Lineup, showcasing the blend of star power and surprising new faces ready to take the league by storm.
💥 The Projected 2026 Opening Day Lineup
| Order | Player | Position | Status / Notes |
| 1. | Ronald Acuña Jr. | RF | The MVP catalyst. Remains the ideal, high-octane leadoff man. |
| 2. | Ozzie Albies | 2B | Secured at a team-friendly $$$7$M. The “heartbeat” provides consistency. |
| 3. | Austin Riley | 3B | The run-producing monster. Will look to rebound from late-season injury. |
| 4. | Matt Olson | 1B | Guaranteed power. The team’s anchor for RBI production. |
| 5. | Jurickson Profar | LF | Acquired for defense, but his high walk rate is valuable for setting the table. |
| 6. | Sean Murphy | DH | Slated for DH in a rotational role to save his bat and health; still needs an upgrade. |
| 7. | Michael Harris II | CF | Breakout candidate. The potential five-tool player who needs a big bounce-back. |
| 8. | Mauricio Dubón | SS | Surprising New Face. The Gold Glove utility man is the stopgap solution after Kim’s opt-out. |
| 9. | Drake Baldwin | C | Breakout Candidate. The high-upside catcher who forces his bat into the lineup daily. |
🔑 Key Roster Decisions & Analysis
1. The Shortstop Stopgap: Mauricio Dubón
With Ha-Seong Kim declining his player option, the Braves have not yet acquired a high-end replacement. Therefore, the 6.1$ million man, Mauricio Dubón, takes the starting shortstop role.
- The Upside: Dubón is a versatile, two-time Gold Glove winner who instantly upgrades the defense.
- The Downside: His bat is considered a temporary solution at best. AA is clearly saving resources for a potential mid-season trade or waiting for the price on Bo Bichette (via trade) to drop.
2. The Catching Dilemma: Murphy & Baldwin
The Braves are entering the season with a high-floor plan that involves rotating Sean Murphy and Drake Baldwin between Catcher and DH.
- Baldwin’s Emergence: Baldwin’s offense demands everyday playing time.
- Murphy’s Role: Murphy, despite struggles, is too valuable to sit. This rotation allows the Braves to minimize his defensive wear while maximizing both bats. However, this is the position AA is most likely to upgrade externally if a proven, power DH becomes available.
3. The Pitching Foundation (The Unshakeable Future)
While the offense has questions, the starting rotation is solidified and remains the team’s boldest strength:
- The Aces: Spencer Strider and Chris Sale (now fully healthy) form one of the league’s best 1-2 punches.
- Breakout Arms: Spencer Schwellenbach, Hurston Waldrep, and Reynaldo López provide controllable, high-upside depth that could make this the most feared rotation in the NL.
