The Atlanta Braves are in an incredibly interesting position when it comes to high-dollar players not reaching their expected potential. Even amid having more than one such frustration, the team remains in great positioning, having seized early control of the National League East and remaining with a clear playoff path and a roster capable of making a deep October run.
With this in mind, there is a trio of pieces that need to pick things up for Atlanta to reach its full current potential. Starting with a third baseman who has shown signs of life, only to follow this production by often going right back into frustrating habits.
1. Austin Riley
The regression from Riley has reached new heights this season after three years ago appearing to be a potential future MVP. It is far removed from this year, where the third baseman hovers around the Mendoza line only to stack a few great at-bats and give the fanbase hope, only to go right back to being an offensive liability. The veteran simply isn't the power source and consistent producer he has been in years past.
If the Braves are going to go on a late October run, they need more from Riley than what the infielder has offered over the last two months. Even if the average doesn't sharply climb, the third baseman must show better situational hitting and an ability to put the ball in play and execute the fundamentals, becoming less of a liability.
2. Martin Perez
Perez is going to consistently see his roster spot in danger this season based simply on Atlanta's wealth of pitching. Whether as a starting option or in the bullpen, the Braves have seen a great level of consistency from the aging starter. However, this doesn't erase the fact that Perez doesn't offer the high upside of Atlanta's younger arms or have a clear path to making a postseason start or perhaps even making the roster at all.
The left-hander is going to have to continue to force the issue and leave the Braves no choice but to hand him a role. The Braves and Perez have worked well together thus far, with the southpaw showing a great level of flexibility that does little to ease the pressure on a piece never expected to have this meaningful a role.
3. Ronald Acuna Jr.
Once Acuna returns from his current injury, fans have every reason to believe the best is still ahead of the veteran outfielder for the 2026 season. The numbers have been solid, but nowhere close to the elite ceiling of the 2023 MVP. Acuna is more than capable of going on a heater that carries the entire lineup for a month or more. It is the type of surge fans have been waiting on that will show exactly how high a ceiling Atlanta's offense might have.
The hope remains that Acuna is able to return before the end of the month and help push the Braves into a hot finish before the All-Star Break. One that should serve as a turning point for an outfielder overdue to explode.
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