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Austin Riley’s 2026 Stats Reveal A Shocking Truth About His Power
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- Austin Riley’s 2026 Stats Reveal A Shocking Truth About His Power
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The most surprising fact about the 2026 Atlanta Braves season is not how many runs they scored, but how poorly they hit despite hitting the ball harder than almost anyone else. Austin Riley finished the year with a career-worst slump, yet he ranked in the 91st percentile for bat speed and the 82nd percentile for barrel percentage. He struck the ball with more force than 90 percent of the league, but he simply failed to make contact. This disconnect between power and production is the key to unlocking the team's future payroll moves.
While Riley struggled to find the plate, the rest of the lineup kept the offense alive. The team crushed 204 home runs this season, tying for seventh place in all of baseball alongside the Dodgers and Mets. This magic number of 200 dingers has been the standard for the Braves in every postseason season since 2018, according to Yahoo Sports . They hit the ball a long way, even when the results were not there. Matt Olson provided the biggest moments, including a massive three-run shot against the Arizona Diamondbacks that shifted the momentum of a crucial weekend series.
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The Lefty Relief That Costs Less Than A Starter
The Braves bullpen was strong, but it faces a hole once Raisel Iglesias hits free agency. The team needs a high-leverage arm who can eat innings without costing a fortune. A.J. Minter fits this need perfectly, even though his time with the New York Mets ended in disappointment. He missed more than a year due to a lat strain, and the Mets fell apart during his comeback attempt. He still posted a 2.78 ERA in 22.2 innings before the Twins picked him up at the deadline.
According to House That Hank Built, Minter earned $22 million during his two-year contract with the Mets. His combined stats show a 2.38 ERA and 3.97 FIP across 56.2 innings. His age and injury history mean he will not command that same price tag again. This creates a sweet spot for the Braves to sign him to a deal that makes sense for their budget. He knows the team, he knows the park, and he can handle the tough spots in the late innings.
Sean Newcomb offers another cheap option for the left-handed side. He is still in the major leagues and has carved out a solid role as a middle reliever. His previous season ranked among his finest, featuring 90.1 innings pitched, a 3.09 ERA, and a 3.21 FIP. He only made $4.5 million this year, so he will need a raise, but he is still a bargain compared to most free agents. Adding him would give the Braves a reliable lefty who can pitch multiple innings if needed.
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Can The Rotation Handle The Risk?
The rotation is where the Braves have the biggest question marks heading into 2027. Michael Soroka might be the answer, even if he carries a lot of risk. The Arizona Diamondbacks hold a $10 million mutual option for 2027, but it is unlikely they will pick it up. Mutual options rarely get picked up, with the last one happening way back in 2015. Since 2019, Soroka enjoyed his strongest year as a starter, pitching 116 innings alongside a 3.41 ERA.
He is a pricy and risky acquisition, but the upside is huge. The former All-Star and rookie standout proved he can still eat innings when he is healthy. Adding him on a multi-year deal would provide much-needed depth to the middle of the rotation. The Braves need to be bold here. They have the money to take a chance on a pitcher who has shown flashes of brilliance in the past.
There is hope for the core of the lineup too. Brandon Gaudin made a claim on the call that "Austin Riley might be back," which bittersweet for fans who wanted that to happen sooner. Many of us hoped for this outcome greatly, and numerous instances seemed to mark the turning point. The data says he is ready to hit, so the team must trust the process and build around his power.
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The Money Math For 2027
The math works if the front office stays aggressive. They can bring back Minter and Newcomb for a fraction of what a starting pitcher would cost. They can gamble on Soroka to fill a rotation spot that has been shaky. The Braves hit 204 home runs this year, proving the offense is not the problem. The pitching depth is the only thing holding them back from another deep run.
Didier Fuentes might move to the rotation, which opens up a spot in the bullpen. This makes the need for a lefty even more urgent. Robert Suarez's health is also a concern, so having a reliable arm like Minter is vital. The team cannot afford to wait until spring training to fix these holes. They must make these moves now while the market is still open.
The 2021 championship team brought back former players to win. They can do it again in 2027.
