Everything has gone the Atlanta Braves’ way so far in 2026, as they currently hold MLB’s best record at 40-20.
Matt Olson, Michael Harris II, Drake Baldwin, and a combination of Mauricio Dubon and Ozzie Albies have mostly propelled the offense. However, unlike Austin Riley, who signed a 10-year, $212 million deal, none of those players are the highest-paid Braves position player in history.
There are still 102 games remaining this season, providing Riley plenty of time to rebound, but he is being encouraged to ‘heat up’ after a sluggish start.
Does Austin Riley need to “heat up”?
In a recent article on MLB. com, Mark Bowman identified Austin Riley as a Braves player who needs to “heat up” this season:
Ha-Seong Kim has struggled, but Jorge Mateo and Mauricio Dubón are capable of filling the shortstop role until decisions are made prior to the Trade Deadline. The more pressing need is to get Riley up and running. The third baseman has had slow starts in the past before bursting onto the scene during the summer months. With another tremendous surge, a fourth career 30-homer season is within reach.
Austin Riley has hit eight home runs and driven in 32 runs, with a . 209 average and a . 648 OPS in 220 at-bats this season.
You be the judge: the Braves have had a successful season, but does Austin Riley need to heat up for Atlanta to achieve its final goal of a World Series ring?
