The 2026 season ended with a bitter taste. After the Dodgers took the NLDS three games to one, the reality set in. We haven’t seen a deep run since the 2021 championship, and that’s a problem.
The roster has some massive questions that Alex Anthopoulos needs to answer before spring training. According to MLB.com Braves, the team might need to bring in two proven starters this winter. Right now, the top of the rotation looks shaky with Chris Sale, Bryce Elder, and Grant Holmes. Even with young arms like AJ Smith-Shawver and Owen Murphy, the depth just isn’t there.
The rotation is also dealing with health scares. Per MLB.com Braves, the team can’t rely on Spencer Strider or Spencer Schwellenbach to be steady pieces because of their recent right elbow injuries. If we don’t add talent, we’re just hoping for miracles.
The Profar Problem and the Left Field Void
The situation with Jurickson Profar is a total mess. This contract has been ruined by two separate suspensions for using performance-enhancing drugs. The 162-game ban he took this past March really hurt our lineup. It stripped us of a switch-hitter who could play left field and DH.
According to reports, the club will engage in internal talks regarding Profar’s future. I don’t care what the internal talks say. We can’t have that kind of baggage in the clubhouse. Fans are already asking for Randy Arozarena to fill that gap. We need production, not drama.
The Acuna Window is Closing
We also have to face the music regarding Ronald Acuna Jr. He has two years of team control left. While he can still be a superstar, we need to know if he’s the same guy. We saw flashes of greatness when he hit seven homers and posted a .997 OPS during his final 26 regular-season games. But the question remains: can he stay healthy and dominant?
The window is small. If we don’t fix the pitching and the outfield, we’re wasting the best years of a generational talent.