A Healthy Austin Riley Could Be the Key to Atlanta's Lineup Success
The start of spring training is often a time for baseball players to showcase their dedication to fitness. This year, Ronald Acuña Jr. made headlines with his impressive display of strength, hitting home runs in batting practice and declaring, 'I'm healthy!' But it's not just Acuña who's in top shape. Enter Austin Riley, a player whose health and performance have been pivotal for the Atlanta Braves.
Riley's journey over the past two seasons has been a rollercoaster. In 2024, he was on a roll until a wrist injury halted his momentum. The following year, a sports hernia sidelined him, derailing his progress. Despite these setbacks, Riley's potential remains undeniable.
The Braves' success is undeniably intertwined with Riley's health. In 2021, they won the World Series without Acuña's contribution in the second half or postseason. This highlights the importance of having Riley in top form at third base. If the team aims to achieve its goals, Riley's health and productivity are non-negotiable.
Mark Bowman, a Braves beat writer, recently praised Riley's optimism. This optimism is well-founded, as Riley's surgery didn't hinder his offseason training. Confident and ready, Riley aims to reclaim his form from 2021-2023, when he consistently finished in the top seven for National League MVP voting.
Riley's confidence is evident in his words, 'The sports hernia, I’m not even thinking about it. The hand, I’m not even thinking about it. So, having a whole offseason getting to do what I’ve done in the past is huge.'
Riley's impact on the Braves' success is undeniable. From 2021 to 2023, he posted five consecutive 5 fWAR seasons, contributing to the team's World Series win in 2021 and impressive win totals in 2022 and 2023. Conversely, the team struggled in 2024 and 2025 due to Riley's injuries, missing the postseason in the latter year.
Riley's projected performance for the upcoming season is impressive. MLB.com's WAR projections place him as a strong contender for second place, with a projected 3.6 WAR, just behind Acuña's 5.4 WAR. Riley's projected stats include a .261/.324/.470 slash line and a .340 wOBA, which, while slightly lower than his career averages, are still an improvement on his recent performance.
In 2024, Riley's numbers (.256/.322/.461, .338 wOBA, 116 wRC+) were trending upwards until the wrist injury. Even in 2025, he was hitting well (.274/.324/.441 with a .330 wOBA and 111 wRC+) before the abdomen issue. These numbers, while lower than his peak, indicate a player capable of contributing significantly to a strong lineup.
Alex Anthopoulos, the Braves' general manager, emphasizes the importance of a healthy and productive Riley for the team's success. Despite some health concerns, the Braves' lineup has a history of resilience, making a bounce-back season a realistic possibility.
In conclusion, Austin Riley is a prime candidate for a successful comeback. If he regains his form, the Braves will be in a strong position. While Riley may not be the sole factor in the team's success, his health and performance are crucial to their future achievements. The Braves' fans eagerly anticipate Riley's return to form, hoping he will shatter records and lead the team to new heights.
