The Atlanta Braves have already had a busy 2026 offseason, re-signing key pieces and making a notable blockbuster addition in signing former San Diego Padres closer Robert Suarez. As we continue to head closer to spring training, which begins on Feb. 22, it is easy to look ahead and consider who fans are looking forward to making their 2026 Atlanta debut.
There is no shortage of new debuts to be made or promising prospects that Atlanta fans are going to want to keep an eye on. However, the more interesting pieces are those that are going to impact whether or not the Braves return to 2026 contention as expected, starting with a new leader who has big shoes to fill.
1. Walt Weiss, Manager
The Braves parted ways with World Series champion Brian Snitker during the offseason, with the former manager stepping into a new role. This created an opportunity for Walt Weiss to step into the manager position and fans hope provide more energy to the clubhouse. As respected as Snitker was as a leader and despite what he meant to the franchise, several frustrations created a need for change.
It'll be interesting to see if Weiss will fix any of these issues lingering after Snitker's exit. Atlanta needs more energy in the clubhouse and a leader capable of making changes, not leaning on failing veterans. While spring training is obviously far different than the regular season, fans will still get their first taste of how Weiss is going to operate.
Perhaps most importantly we'll get a glimpse at how the Braves navigate the designated hitter position and how the lineup shakes out with a new manager in place. All adding up to plenty of reasons for Atlanta fans to tune in during spring training not only to see new players, but a manager that is a bit of an unknown.
2. Robert Suarez, RHP
While the Braves are going to be very cautious with how often they allow Robert Suarez to pitch in meaningless games, there will be a need to get the reliever ready for the season. This sets up an exciting debut for Atlanta's biggest offseason addition and an elite setup option that fans hope introduces late-inning stability.
Regardless, it is exciting to see Suarez bring a clear plan to the Atlanta pen and offer fans a reason for excitement. With this comes a level of pressure as well, based on the the $45 million contract that the Braves doled out give them a reliable arm in crucial moments. Suarez getting off to a great start in the spring will only add to the excitement of fans searching for any reason to believe that last year's struggles are behind them.
Having an incredibly reliable bullpen and rotation is obviously the clearest path to this, and watching Suarez anytime he takes the mound throughout spring training will only fuel this belief.
3. Hurston Waldrep, RHP
Hurston Waldrep's elite performance last season was underrated due to just how poorly the Braves performed as a team. The right-handed hurler finished the year with a 6-1 record and a 2.88 ERA in 10 games, striking out 55 batters in 56 1/3 innings. It was easy to make the case that Waldrep was Atlanta's best starting option in the final weeks of the season. Now, fans want a reason to believe that this was a sign of things to come and not just an incredibly hot start.
If Waldrep is what he appears to be, the Braves have a rotation of Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Waldrep, and Spencer Schwellenbach as the team's first four options. This is a truly elite top four that can match up with any opposing rotation in the regular or postseason. That's why it's up to the 23-year-old stud to prove he can help turn that pipedream into a reality.
While it is important not to overreact to meaningless games, there is no denying that watching Waldrep's velocity and body language will be telling as the rotation ramps up for the regular season.