00:00Braves 2026 hopes hinge on returning stars getting healthy.
00:05The Atlanta Braves enter one of their most critical off-seasons in years.
00:10They need a new manager, possibly a revamped coaching staff, and roster reinforcements across the rotation, bullpen, and lineup.
00:18But before Alex Anthopoulos turns to free agency or trades, the club's biggest additions might already be on the roster, getting healthy again.
00:25Atlanta opened the 2025 season without Ronald Acuna Jr., Spencer Strider, Ronaldo Lopez, and Joe Jimenez, four cornerstone players.
00:35Even after Acuna and Strider returned midseason, the Braves never fully regained their rhythm.
00:41Acuna finished strong down the stretch and should enter camp fully healthy, while Strider's focus will be on rediscovering his trademark velocity and fastball shape.
00:49His diminished fastball life in 2025 forced him to adjust his pitch mix, something the Braves hope a full winter of mechanical fine-tuning can fix.
00:59Beyond the rotation, the infield duo of Austin Riley and Ozzie Albies underperformed offensively in 2025.
01:05As MLB.com's Mark Bowman reported, both may still have been dealing with lingering hand and wrist issues from 2024.
01:14Albies' future remains uncertain.
01:16Atlanta holds an affordable club option for 2026.
01:19But his injury history clouds long-term confidence.
01:23Riley, meanwhile, underwent hernia surgery late in the year, and the team believes the extended rest will help him regain his power stroke.
01:30The list of injured Braves doesn't stop there.
01:33Reynaldo Lopez, Joe Jimenez, Sean Murphy, and Spencer Schwellenbach are all expected to be full go by spring training.
01:40Getting Lopez and Jimenez back solidifies the pitching staff, while a healthy Murphy behind the plate should stabilize the lineup and staff handling.
01:48Acuna, Strider, Riley, Albies, Lopez, Murphy, and Jimenez returning at full strength will make Atlanta a contender again on paper.
01:57Anthopoulos and his staff must still reinforce the rotation and bullpen depth, improve the bench, and address lineup balance.
02:03Healthy stars can lift the Braves back into contention, but only if the roster around them is built to support it.
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