Atlanta Braves fans are heading into the offseason with one big reason for optimism

After finishing 76-86 in 2025, the Atlanta Braves have already started turning the page for next season, including introducing Walt Weiss as manager and making some big decisions with their pitching staff.

While some things may be different for the Braves, it’s the roster’s prominence that could put Atlanta back at the top of the National League East sooner rather than later, according to one writer.

Braves have one of the best rosters in the league

According to Mike Petriello of MLB.comAtlanta’s current roster ranks third among all 30 MLB teams in terms of talent and potential. The Braves are tied with the Seattle Mariners for third place and trail only the defending two-time world champion Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees.

Even better news for Braves fans? The New York Mets are in fifth place, while the Philadelphia Phillies are in ninth place, meaning a few Atlanta division rivals may have some catching up to do when it comes to improving their roster to catch the Braves.

That is of course the advantage of this ranking, as it is based on the current selection. That means Pete Alonso is not considered a Met and Kyle Schwarber is not considered a Phillie as both of their contracts have expired. Both Philadelphia and New York are certainly expected to be active this season, as are the Braves, with Petriello listing shortstop, starting pitching and the bullpen as areas of need in Atlanta.

While there are some improvements that need to be made by the Braves this season, the current mix includes Ronald Acuna Jr., Austin Riley and Michael Harris II. These three players (along with other Braves) had down years in 2025, and the potential for them to return to form in 2026 is a big reason why Atlanta is high on this list.

Those bad years (and a series of injuries) are one of the reasons why Atlanta underperformed last season and posted a surprisingly low number of wins based on their talent. The Braves started the offseason last season in second place in the same exercise by Petriello so it’s definitely an inexact science. However, if Braves fans are looking for a reason to get excited now about what could be a turnaround in 2026, it’s clear there’s a strong foundation to build on at Truist Park.