The Atlanta Braves have already had a splashy offseason, but that doesn't change the fact that a myriad of returning players must be better in 2026 than last season. Names like Sean Murphy, Austin Riley, and Spencer Strider are just a few of the names that spring to mind when discussing ways the Braves are expected to improve in the upcoming MLB campaign.
Conversely, some underperforming Braves deserve a second chance in the 2026 season and appear destined to get just that. Here's a look at three Atlanta players who could turn things around if the team shows a little faith in them this year.
1. Didier Fuentes, RHP
One of the many mistakes that Atlanta's decision-makers made throughout the 2025 season was putting far too much pressure on Didier Fuentes too soon. He's incredibly talented, but wasn't mentally up to making the jump to the next level. Still, the Braves continued to put the young starter on the mound simply due to a lack of healthy options. For Fuentes, this resulted in an ERA of 13.85 and a 0-3 record in four starts, potentially dampening confidence.
While this is understandable based on last year's struggles, it is important to remember that Fuentes is still only 20 years old and deserves another chance. The Braves should remain patient, understanding that calling up the pitcher far too soon was a reason for caution in 2026 and not a reason to wave the white flag.
Fuentes can still help the Braves win in the near future and should be given a chance deep into the season. At the same time, this young arm will need a quick hook if things start to go sideways again.
2. Ozzie Albies, 2B
Already, the Braves have opted to bring back the veteran infielder, utilizing the team's option for the 2026 season. Despite the past two frustrating years, this was the right decision. Ozzie Albies has endured back-to-back injury-shortened seasons and been notably less productive at the plate when in the lineup. Still, it is the right outlook to give the second baseman another chance.
In 603 at-bats this season, Albies slashed .240/.306/.365 while tallying 16 home runs, 74 RBIs, and a 2.1 WAR. His season was far from perfect, but it's worth noting that he had a .769 OPS with nine HRs and 45 RBIs in 62 games after the MLB All-Star Break compared to the .606 OPS, seven HRs, and 29 RBIs he had in 95 games before it.
Atlanta's endless 2025 injuries unquestionably contributed to Albies step back at the plate while playing in a weaker lineup. Despite that, he's more than proven that his time with the Braves shouldn't end yet, making him a player to watch in 2026.
3. Nacho Alvarez Jr., IF
Unlike Fuentes, the Braves didn't rush Nacho Alvarez Jr. into the starting lineup. Thus far, the results have been underwhelming, with the shortstop offering a .234 batting average over 188 plate appearances. It isn't the offensive production that Atlanta was hoping for, seemingly opening the door for the club to turn the page in the offseason.
However, the right decision is being made with the franchise exercising patience and keeping the options in the middle infield open. As previously mentioned, both Albies and Kim have concerns offensively, and with Atlanta's recent injury history, there is concern about keeping both starters consistently healthy. This more or less gives Alvarez a chance to play a key role in 2026.
While the infielder is only 22, a third straight season of Major League failure would likely demand a change of scenery. If that happens, it will be the right time to move on, for now; however, the Braves need to head into the 2026 season with an open mind and a willingness to give Alvarez another shot.