Even coming off a frustrating loss, theAtlanta Braves remain in a great positionas they are within reach of the National League's top two seeds. Having swept the Los Angeles Dodgers last week and showing a level of intensity that was in question, the franchise must be counted among the top contenders when looking at making a potential World Series run. With that said, this roster isn't without its flaws and will need a handful of things to fall their way to win it all.
Atlanta does have a level of depth, but there isn't the same level of clarity afforded to a loaded Dodgers roster. Even the Milwaukee Brewers have a better understanding of who can be relied on when it comes to a postseason rotation. Leading us to look at what has to happen for the Braves to be able to win it all.
1. Ronald Acuna Jr. Must be Feared Again
High heat struggles and a lack of confidence have limited Acuna, a player who previously was clearly Atlanta's best hitter. Michael Harris, Matt Olson, Drake Baldwin, and Ozzie Albies have all been far more consistent while Acuna has dealt with injuries and offensive struggles. For the Braves to get hot at the right moment and make a run the right fielder has to be the best version of himself.
The player that incites fear into the opposing pitcher and delivers in the clutch. The 2023 MVP is yet to really go on the type of hot streak he is capable of and there is the perfect moment still ahead for this to change.
2. Robert Suarez Must Return
The Braves lack the rotation depth for a World Series run that isn't heavily fueled by the bullpen. For this to happen you need Suarez back in the fold handing you four relievers you trust in high-leverage spots. Dylan Lee and Raisel Iglesias have both looked human as of late while Didier Fuentes is a young arm going into his first postseason series.
For the group to work you need the steadying force that is Suarez. Having the level of early-season dominance return to the back of the pen gives you the opportunity to ask very little of your starter if all your bullpen arms are at their best.
3. Tyler Mahle's Dominance Must Continue
Sale is a gamer who is going to give Atlanta a puncher's chance in the first game of every series. However, the southpaw cannot do it alone and over the last month Mahle has been the most consistent of Atlanta's options. Since the trade the starter has been every bit as good as current Los Angeles Dodger Tarik Skubal.
Braves fans remember that the 2021 run was fueled by unexpected contributors in Jorge Soler, Joc Pederson, and Eddie Rosario. October magic from Mahle is going to be required to give this rotation a chance to make it beyond just the first round.
4. Walt Weiss Cannot Lose His Nerve
Weiss has gained understandable praise over the 2026 season for how he has handled each game. There is a level of aggressive managing that has allowed Atlanta to steal games they shouldn't have won and hold onto leads that appeared incredibly fragile. A big piece of this is being unafraid to make quick bullpen calls or ride with the hot hand at any position.
The manager cannot lose this edge in the postseason and is going to have to dial it up a bit for the Braves to go on a run. No question, the pieces are in place, but it is going to take a bit of luck and timely contributions for the Braves to stop what many view as an inevitable three-peat for Los Angeles.
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