A large piece of the Atlanta Braves' hot start to the 2026 season has been positive regression from its stars. Ozzie Albies, Drake Baldwin, and Matt Olson all being the best version of themselves after a season when it seemed no one could get things going consistently is a breath of fresh air. It has made Atlanta's offense one of the league's elite units and offered fans the most fun they've had watching the team since the 2023 season.
Still, it isn't just the stars that deserve credit, but players performing at a high level who weren't dealing with any level of expectations. Starting with an infielder who made the team's roster due to injury and is making the most out of his opportunity.
1. Jorge Mateo
This weekend's series against the Los Angeles Dodgers was a great example of the type of impact Mateo is having. Setting up Mauricio Dubon's bases-clearing double that would give the Braves the lead and the series win was a walk from Mateo to keep the inning alive. It wasn't a flashy play or a great moment, but simply finding a way to contribute and play winning baseball.
Mateo has proven himself as a winning player in a reserve role, hitting .309 in 55 at-bats and providing a pair of homers and 17 runners driven in. Add in the speed that Mateo has utilized as a pinch runner, and it is safe to say that the infielder has gone from a roster afterthought to one of Atlanta's most important bench pieces.
2. Martin Perez
Injuries cleared the way for Perez to start the season in the Atlanta bullpen and make a number of starts. No matter the role, the aging left-hander has found a way to contribute, eating 34.0 innings so far this season with an ERA of 2.38. If Atlanta's rotation wasn't so incredibly stacked, there wouldn't be an argument against giving the veteran a continued spot. Regardless, the pitcher has helped stabilize a unit that needed his contributions due to injuries and the struggles of Reynaldo Lopez.
For Perez, it has put life back into a career that appeared to be heading to the minor leagues. Instead, the starter is a viable option as a spot starter in Atlanta or a long relief option out of the pen. One a number of teams in need of starting production might consider if the Braves are willing to turn the page at any point this season.
3. Dominic Smith
The story is the same with each of this trio getting an opportunity based on spring performance and injuries to Atlanta's roster. Smith has stepped into the DH role against right-handed pitching and has been lethal, hitting .329 and driving in 18 with an approach that isn't just swinging for the fences, but is willing to adjust according to the matchup.
Atlanta is getting the best version of the veteran we've seen in his career, and there isn't any reason to believe that this is going to slow down anytime soon. Whether it is not playing the field, the talent around him, the move to Atlanta, or all of the above, it is great to see an overlooked player becoming one of the more feared hitters in a stacked Braves lineup.
More Atlanta Braves News and Rumors:
Add us as a preferred source on Google