Braves banking on a fully recharged Austin Riley to swing back into All-Star and Gold Glove contention next season
High Hopes for Austin Riley
As the Atlanta Braves look ahead to the next season, expectations for third baseman Austin Riley are soaring. With the promise of a healthier offseason, fans and management alike are optimistic that he will reclaim his All-Star form. After enduring an abdominal injury that necessitated surgery and cut his season short, Riley is focused on returning to peak performance in 2026.
Manager Brian Snitker is confident in Riley’s potential, stating, “I expect him to come into camp and have an All-Star, Gold Glove year next year.” This marks a pivotal moment for Riley, who, despite being a two-time All-Star, has yet to secure a Gold Glove, although he was a finalist for the award in 2023. The disappointment of falling short has ignited a personal drive for him to earn that recognition next season.
The Price of Effort
Ironically, Riley’s commitment to excellence on the field played a part in his injury woes. His determination to excel defensively led to the abdominal issue that sidelined him, but following surgery, there is optimism that this concern will become a thing of the past. All-Star aspirations also hinge on his ability to restore offensive consistency.
Riley’s season was marked by fluctuations, culminating in a .260 batting average with 16 home runs and 54 RBIs over 102 games. This performance fell short of the lofty expectations set by his previous seasons, where a healthy Riley was projected to hit around 25 home runs and drive in 85 RBIs. However, Snitker believes that a solid offseason will pave the way for a return to form.
Lessons from the Past
Last offseason, Riley faced a setback when a wrist injury lingered longer than anticipated. Snitker remarked, “I know last year, in the offseason, that wrist thing didn’t heal as quick as I think they thought it would and wanted it to.” This delay hampered his preparation for spring training, underscoring how crucial offseason health is for a player’s success.
The pathway to recovery can be lengthy, even after a player has healed. Consider Ozzie Albies, who struggled to regain his All-Star caliber after a wrist injury last season. It wasn’t until mid-August that he began to find his rhythm at the plate again, demonstrating that recovery is as much about time as it is about physical healing.
For Riley, the encouraging news is that his hand is now fully healed, and the recovery from his abdominal surgery appears to be progressing more swiftly. While there are no guarantees, the precedent is set for a strong comeback. With the right preparation and a renewed sense of health, Riley could very well return to being the impactful hitter the Braves have come to rely on.
In the coming months, all eyes will be on Austin Riley as he prepares for a crucial season. His journey back to the top of his game is not only vital for his personal ambitions but also for the Braves’ aspirations in the competitive landscape of Major League Baseball.
