The Vibes Are Different: Three Reasons The Braves Look Like Contenders

The Atlanta Braves have opened the 2026 season looking like a completely different ball club, flipping the script from last year’s early struggles. After a 4–2 start through their first two home series, there’s already plenty to take away from this group. Here are three key things we’ve learned so far from Atlanta’s opening stretch.

 

1.  Drake Baldwin is building a real MVP case early

It’s only six games, but Drake Baldwin looks every bit like a superstar in the making. The reigning NL Rookie of the Year has come out swinging, posting seven hits, three home runs, and seven RBIs while hitting .333 with an eye-popping .810 slugging percentage.

What stands out most is his confidence at the plate. Baldwin isn’t just getting hits, he’s driving the baseball with authority and delivering in big moments. If he keeps this pace anywhere close to consistent, his name could realistically be mentioned alongside elite National League hitters like Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Schwarber in the MVP conversation.

For a Braves team looking for a new offensive identity, Baldwin is quickly becoming the centerpiece.

 

2. A fast start signals a culture shift under Walt Weiss

The contrast from 2025 is hard to ignore. Last season, Atlanta stumbled out of the gate with an 0–7 start under Brian Snitker. This year, under new manager Walt Weiss, the Braves have taken both opening series against the Kansas City Royals and Oakland Athletics.

The early success has also been fueled by timely, game-changing moments. One of the biggest came on Saturday, when Dominic Smith, one of the newest additions to the roster, delivered a game-winning grand slam against Kansas City. It’s the type of swing that not only wins games but reinforces belief inside a clubhouse.

Weiss emphasized building a more well-rounded offense and establishing a new identity, and early results suggest the message is landing. The Braves are showing better situational hitting, improved discipline and a more balanced approach from top to bottom.

Just as important has been the internal feel of the team. Weiss credited the turnaround to a noticeable difference in “vibes” and energy compared to last season’s slow start, pointing to MLB Spring Training as a key factor in setting the tone. According to Weiss, the work put in during Spring Training created a stronger foundation, better chemistry and a more confident group heading into Opening Day.

At 4–2 heading into a road trip against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta looks like a team playing with purpose rather than pressing to find answers.

 

3. The pitching staff is holding strong despite injuries

Coming into the season, pitching depth was a major concern with key arms like Spencer Strider sidelined. But through six games, the rotation has exceeded expectations.

Ace Chris Sale has set the tone, allowing just four hits and one home run while striking out nine across his first two starts. His second outing, however, may have been even more telling than the stat line.

According to Weiss, Sale was “sick as a dog,” and the team wasn’t even sure he would be able to take the mound. The expectation internally was to get just three or four innings out of him. Instead, Sale pushed through and delivered six innings, showing both toughness and leadership at the top of the rotation.

Behind him, Reynaldo López delivered one of the most encouraging performances of the young season, tossing over six innings of one-run ball in a walk-off win against Kansas City.

There have been mixed results elsewhere. Bryce Elder impressed with six scoreless innings against Oakland, while Grant Holmes and José Suárez showed flashes but lacked consistency.

Still, considering the injuries, the Braves are getting exactly what they need: competitive starts that give the offense a chance to win.