FanGraphs Sees Braves as World Series Favorites in 2026

This article digs into FanGraphs’ bold preseason projections for the Atlanta Braves’ 2026 season. It looks at their predicted win-loss record, chances at the NL East title, odds of making the postseason, and even their World Series hopes—all while nodding to some possible bumps in the road and tough division rivals.

Decoding the Braves’ Projected Dominance

FanGraphs paints a pretty rosy picture for the Braves in 2026, pegging them for a strong 92-71 record. That kind of forecast puts them right in the thick of the race for top honors and sets up what could be a wild ride for their fans.

A Deep Dive into Playoff Probabilities

The numbers are hard to ignore. FanGraphs gives the Braves a 47% chance to take back the NL East crown, which says a lot about their depth and overall strength.

They’ve also got a 39% shot at snagging a postseason bye, which would let them skip the Wild Card round and jump straight to the divisional series. That’s a huge edge.

Even if they miss the division title, there’s a 40% chance they’ll land a wild card spot. All told, they’re sitting at an 87% likelihood of making the playoffs. Not too shabby.

World Series Aspirations: A Glimpse at the Pinnacle

Making the playoffs is big, but everyone’s really eyeing that World Series trophy. FanGraphs gives the Braves the second-best odds in baseball—11%—to win it all.

Only the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers have better odds at 27%. That says plenty about the Braves’ roster and their shot at something special.

The Engine Room: Roster Strength and Key Contributors

These projections really hinge on the Braves’ stacked roster. They’ve built a group that looks ready to compete for the long haul.

The model points out how well the team can handle early-season setbacks, thanks to its depth.

Navigating Early Season Hurdles

Baseball seasons are long, and injuries happen. Still, FanGraphs’ model doesn’t seem too fazed by possible early-season absences from guys like **Ha-Seong Kim** and **Sean Murphy**.

That hints at a strong bench and a flexible roster—one that can take some hits and keep moving forward. Credit where it’s due: the front office and player development crew have put in work.

ZiPS Insights: Batting and Pitching Powerhouses

ZiPS projections back this up by spotlighting key players. Offensively, **Ronald Acuña Jr.** looks set to lead the team in batter WAR again.

But keep an eye on **Drake Baldwin**—he’s pegged as a top contributor too, which could mean a breakout season at catcher.

On the mound, the Braves’ rotation looks tough. **Chris Sale**, **Spencer Strider**, and **Spencer Schwellenbach** are expected to anchor the staff in pitcher WAR.

That mix of proven aces and emerging arms could make their pitching a real headache for opponents.

Navigating the Gauntlet: Division Rivals and Past Lessons

Of course, projections only tell part of the story. The Braves will have to get through a tough division, and recent seasons have shown that even high expectations don’t guarantee a smooth ride. That’s something nobody should forget.

The Fierce NL East Landscape

The NL East is rarely a cakewalk, and 2026 doesn’t look any easier. The Braves will face stiff competition from their perennial rivals.

The *New York Mets* are projected for a strong 90 wins. That means they’ll be right on Atlanta’s heels.

Not far behind, the *Philadelphia Phillies* are projected for 87 wins. This division really feels like a battleground.

The Braves have a powerful roster, but their path to the postseason won’t be simple. Only time will tell if they live up to these expectations.
 
Here is the source article for this story: FanGraphs has lofty expectations for 2026 Braves