Battery Power
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2026 Atlanta Braves Player Review: Joel Payamps
The Braves gave 32‑year‑old right‑hander Joel Payamps a guaranteed $2.25 million, one‑year deal for 2026, but he lasted barely a month. Acquired off waivers after a journeyman stint with multiple clubs, Payamps entered the season with a career 2.2 fWAR and solid 2023 numbers, yet his 2026 performance was disastrous: 12 appearances, 7 2/3 innings, a -0.1 fWAR, -0.58 WPA and a 19.6/13.8/11.6 line. After a lone successful outing on April 24 against the Phillies, four meltdowns led Atlanta to DFA him on May 1. The article dissects his shaky command, prior breakout with Milwaukee, and why the Braves’ gamble fell flat.
AFL Full Week Update: Tate Southisene, Briggs McKenzie Shine
The Atlanta Braves’ AFL prospects dominate the week’s recap. Twenty‑year‑old outfielder Tate Southisene shines with a 5‑for‑14 line, five runs and a .949 OPS that would rank 18th league‑wide, despite missing leader‑board eligibility. Fellow 20‑year‑old Owen Carey adds two triples in three hits over two games. Pitcher Briggs McKenzie delivers back‑to‑back starts, tossing five innings with two hits, four strikeouts and a 2,800‑RPM slider that generates a 40% whiff rate. Relievers Tyler LaPorte and Owen Hackman also post clean innings, bolstering the Braves’ 2027 outlook.
What was your “I told you so” of the 2026 season?
The blog post invites readers to share their personal “I told you so” moments from the 2026 season—whether they involve the Braves or any other team. The author admits to drafting the prompt themselves and encourages fans to reminisce about predictions they made throughout the year.
Braves News: Tampa Hosts Game 3 of World Series, Player Reviews, More
Game 3 of the 2026 World Series heads to Tampa Bay as the Rays seek to swing momentum against the Brewers, who have dominated all season. The preview notes potential adjustments for both clubs and highlights the high stakes of the matchup. In Braves news, third‑baseman Austin Riley’s season is recapped, and Danny Young’s recent struggles are reviewed. MLB updates include Rocco Baldelli withdrawing from the Mariners’ managerial search and Brewers pitcher Quinn Priester’s steady recovery from surgery.
Postseason off day chat and discussion: October 25
The Milwaukee Brewers surge ahead 2-0 in the 2026 World Series after back‑to‑back tight wins over the Tampa Bay Rays, with Cooper Pratt’s third‑base sprint and Sal Frelick’s single highlighted in Game 2 at American Family Field on Oct. 24. The series could be clinched by Oct. 27, though the Rays remain competitive. The post also jokes about Halloween costumes, suggesting a Rob Manfred outfit to demand a salary cap, and invites fan comments.
2026 Atlanta Braves Player Review: Danny Young
Danny Young returns to the Atlanta Braves in 2026 after two seasons with the Mets and a 2025 Tommy John surgery. Projected as a depth left‑handed reliever, he logs a career‑high 12⅓ innings across 16 games but posts a dismal 1.91 ERA, 1.86 FIP and a –0.5 fWAR, prompting an August DFA and demotion to the minors. While his first 12 outings include a few lucky outs and three July shutdowns, his late‑season stretch sees nine runs in 3⅔ innings and a poor 7/5 K/BB ratio. The Braves retain him on a split‑year, league‑minimum deal, leaving his future roster spot uncertain.
Will the Brewers lose again this year?
The Milwaukee Brewers, fresh off a 103‑win season, have swept the Padres, swept the Dodgers, and now lead the World Series 2‑0. Despite a modest 5‑1 record in one‑run games, their bullpen boasts an impressive 1.41/2.79/3.62 ERA over 44 2/3 innings, stifling late threats. Yet the Tampa Bay Rays, who hold a slight edge in the next two matchups (53% win chance for Gasser‑Peralta, 52.2% for Drohan‑Jax), could force a historic third loss for Milwaukee—a feat achieved only by the 2005 White Sox and 1999 Yankees. The article weighs the Rays' chances and whether the Brewers can stay unbeaten.
Braves News: World Series, AJ Smith-Shawver, more
The Braves face a high‑stakes dilemma as international free agent Alfredo Sena, a top prospect with a pre‑agreement, may be lost if the pending CBA forces a new draft and cancels the IFA signing period. Meanwhile, AJ Smith‑Shawver’s 2026 season fell short of expectations despite flashes of promise, and the team’s broader outlook hinges on these roster moves. In broader MLB news, the Brewers edged the Rays in a tight Game 2 of the World Series, and Twins pitcher Pablo Lopez is progressing well after Tommy John surgery.
World Series Game 2 Chat and Discussion: October 24
Game 1 of the 2026 World Series saw the Milwaukee Brewers edge the Tampa Bay Rays 3-2 after an early 2-0 lead, leaving the Rays with missed chances in the ninth. Tonight’s Game 2 features Tampa’s ace Drew Rasmussen, who sat out Game 1, against Brewers rookie standout Logan Henderson. The series hangs in the balance—can the Rays avoid a 2‑0 home‑field deficit, or will the Brewers clinch a pivotal win to seize momentum before three consecutive home games? The matchup kicks off at 8 p.m. on Fox.
2026 Atlanta Braves Player Review: AJ Smith-Shawver
AJ Smith-Shawver finally returns to the Braves after Tommy John surgery, making his first big‑league start on July 29 as a 27th‑man call‑up and earning a full rotation spot on August 19. In 2026 he pitches six games, including two starts of five innings and a long‑relief effort that leads to an NLDS appearance, but struggles with a 6.61 ERA, 6.00 FIP and reduced strikeout rate. The former 2021 seventh‑round pick adds a sinker and cutter to his repertoire, showing flashes of velocity but inconsistent results as Atlanta’s rotation reshapes.
Are the Brewers a major problem for the Braves?
The Milwaukee Brewers enter the postseason as a consistent powerhouse, posting 90-plus wins for four straight seasons and ranking third in position-player WAR and fourth in pitching WAR. While they’re not in the Braves’ division, their depth makes them a potential nightmare for Atlanta, which faces offseason questions about offense, pitcher health, and roster construction. The article weighs the Brewers’ recent dominance against the Braves’ uncertainties, suggesting that Milwaukee could be a major hurdle for Atlanta next season.
Braves News: Jonah Heim player review, World Series underway, and more
The World Series got underway on Friday evening, and the Milwaukee Brewers took Game 1 3-2. Game 2 is set for tonight at 8:00 ET. Braves News: Our player review series continues with catcher Jonah Heim, Relive the 10 biggest robberies by the Braves’ defense in 2026.
World Series Game 1 Chat and Discussion: October 23
The 2026 World Series kicks off Oct. 23 as the Milwaukee Brewers host the Tampa Bay Rays at American Family Field. After sweeping the Dodgers to claim the NL pennant, the Brewers will start right‑hander Jacob Misiorowski, while the Rays counter with left‑hander Nick Martinez, fresh off a win over the Guardians. Notable moments include Junior Caminero’s marathon home‑run trot in the Rays’ Game 6 clincher and pinch‑runner Jorge Mateo’s postseason contributions. Game 1 streams at 8 p.m. ET on FOX.
The 10 biggest robberies of hits by Braves’ defense in 2026
The article ranks the Atlanta Braves' top ten defensive plays that robbed opponents of hits during the 2026 season. Highlights include Michael Harris II's leaping wall catch in the NLDS, Mauricio Dubón’s spectacular grabs against the Yankees and Red Sox, and Jim Jarvis’s crucial leapers against the Mets and Brewers. Other standout moments feature Eli White’s sprint to scoop Bo Bichette’s blooper and Harris II’s Gold Glove‑finalist effort against the Giants. Each play lists the pitcher, batter, date, and the resulting line‑out with an impressive xBA (e.g., .940 against Bo Bichette). The piece celebrates the Braves’ "Gold‑Glove paradise" after previously covering offensive misfortunes.
2026 Atlanta Braves Player Review: Jonah Heim
The Atlanta Braves signed veteran catcher Jonah Heim to a major‑league deal on Feb. 10, 2026, hoping he could temporarily fill Sean Murphy’s spot after Murphy’s late‑season surgery. Once an All‑Star and Gold Glove winner in 2023, Heim’s production fell sharply in 2024‑25, posting a combined –0.4 fWAR and a wRC+ drop from 103 to 71. In Atlanta he appeared in 12 games, posting a .231/.311/.410 line and hitting his lone Braves homer on May 3 versus Colorado before being DFA‑ed and traded to the West Sacramento Athletics for cash. He later logged 93 games for the Athletics, finishing with a career‑low –0.6 fWAR, though he delivered clutch homers in June. The Braves ultimately missed Heim’s brief May‑June spark as their catcher depth unraveled.
Are you going to watch the World Series?
The author debates whether to tune into the 2026 World Series after a season of mixed feelings about postseason baseball. While they followed the Braves’ two playoff series, they admit to multitasking and losing interest in the short‑series format. A major frustration is the difficulty of accessing playoff games on MLB.tv without extra hassle, which dampens their enthusiasm. They suggest that an a la carte postseason package could change their mind, but for now they remain undecided. The piece ends by asking readers if they’ll watch the final series.
Braves News: Matt Olson awarded, Connor Thomas review, and more
Matt Olson becomes the first Atlanta Brave honored this offseason, earning the Fielding Bible Award for best defensive first baseman—his sixth such accolade and a Gold Glove finalist nod. The post also teases the next installment of the 2026 player review series, focusing on left‑hander Connor Thomas, and invites fans to revisit the ten most unlucky offensive moments for the Braves this year. In broader MLB news, the Washington Nationals plan to keep their entire coaching staff intact for the 2027 season.
Postseason off day chat and discussion: Oct. 22
The 2026 World Series draws near as the Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays gear up for Media Day in Atlanta, where a historic 1995 World Series trophy honors former Braves owner Ted Turner and manager Bobby Cox. The post highlights a MLB YouTube teaser released Thursday, noting a Braves‑focused segment at 47:30, and the author backs the Rays to claim their first championship. Fans can catch the preview and glimpse the Braves memorabilia before the series kickoff Friday night in Milwaukee.
Matt Olson wins sixth Fielding Bible Award
Atlanta first baseman Matt Olson clinches his sixth Fielding Bible Award, edging out Padres' Ty France and surpassing Albert Pujols for the most wins at the position. The NL Gold Glove finalist also leads both leagues in defensive metrics, topping Fangraphs' WAR-adjusted rankings and posting 12 outs above average at first base. Olson, a key contributor to the Braves' NL East title and Wild Card victory over the Phillies, now ties Yadier Molina and Andrelton Simmons for second‑most all‑time awards, trailing only Mookie Betts' seven. He adds three Gold Gloves to his résumé and is the favorite for a fourth.
The 10 most unlucky moments for Atlanta Braves hitters in 2026
Battery Power’s “The 10 most unlucky moments for Atlanta Braves hitters in 2026” chronicles the season’s most heartbreaking outs, where booming hits turned into easy outs. Highlights include Michael Harris II’s blooper that slipped into Ceddanne Rafaela’s glove on May 16, three separate Acuña Jr. fly‑outs that were robbed—against the Royals (Mar 29), Phillies (Apr 18) and Angels (Apr 6)—and Drake Baldwin’s September 24 fly‑out that foreshadowed the Braves’ eventual loss to the Dodgers. The list also features Mike Yastrzemski’s line‑out caught by Nasim Nuñez and Mauricio Dubón’s September 8 line‑out versus the Rays. Each play is paired with an “expected batting average” (xBA) illustrating just how unlucky the hits were, offering fans a visual rewind of the Braves’ near‑misses.
2026 Atlanta Braves Player Review: Connor Thomas
The 2026 review of Atlanta Braves reliever Connor Thomas reveals a tale of two seasons. After signing a minor‑league deal in November 2025, Thomas spent most of 2026 rehabbing and pitching in the minors before a July call‑up. He struggled with Atlanta, surrendering four homers and four runs in just 6⅓ innings across two appearances, posting a -0.4 fWAR. In contrast, his stint with the Kansas City Royals proved far brighter: 19⅓ innings, a 2.33 ERA, 64.4% ground‑ball rate and a +0.5 fWAR. The article details his injury history, minor‑league performance and the looming MLB labor dispute that could affect his next opportunity.
Has Atlanta’s offense been left behind by a new wave in baseball?
The Atlanta Braves went from a historic 2023 offense (.276/.344/.501, 307 HRs, wRC+ 126) to a middling batters' line (.245/.313/.408, wRC+ 100) over the 2024‑2026 seasons. While they still rank in the top ten for home runs (204 in 2026) and slugging, their overall production lags behind the NL champion Brewers and AL champion Rays, who excel in baserunning (BRV +9 and +4 versus Atlanta’s –4). The article questions whether Atlanta’s reliance on power alone has left its offense lagging in today’s more multifaceted game.
Will we ever see an MLB team relocation/rebrand again?
The article debates whether Major League Baseball will witness another team relocation accompanied by a full rebrand, the last being the Montreal Expos' move to Washington in 2005. It references recent relocation fears for the Tampa Bay Rays and the perennially mobile Athletics, compares baseball’s quiet moves to NFL and NBA name changes, and wonders if nostalgia will keep existing franchises unchanged while only expansion teams get fresh identities. The piece invites readers to weigh the likelihood of future baseball relocations and rebrandings.
Braves News: Hardest-hit Balls, Player Reviews, more
Ahead of the World Series, the Braves recap their 2026 power moments, highlighting the ten hardest‑hit balls of the season and showcasing Sandy Leon’s standout ABS performance. The post also notes league‑wide offseason moves: the Angels shift Kurt Suzuki out of the manager’s seat, Yankees GM Brian Cashman secures an extension, and the Dodgers plan to operate normally despite CBA uncertainty. With injury updates and strategic planning underway, the article offers a quick pulse on Atlanta’s final regular‑season highlights and MLB’s broader front‑office shifts.
The Top-10 hardest-hit balls of 2026 for the Atlanta Braves
Battery Power highlights the ten hardest‑hit balls by the Atlanta Braves in 2026, ranking exit velocities from 111.9 mph to 112.8 mph. Leading the list are Ronald Acuña Jr.’s 112.0 mph home run against the Reds on May 31 and his 112.3 mph ground‑out on April 4, while Austin Riley contributes two top‑five entries, including a 112.2 mph line‑out on July 4 versus the Mets. Jorge Mateo’s surprise 112.2 mph homer on May 3 and Michael Harris II’s 112.8 mph blast on July 31 also stand out. The piece pairs each moment with context, stats and media reactions, offering a snapshot of the Braves’ power surge throughout the season.
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