Austin Riley's 2026 Outlook Clouded by Injuries, Performance Dip

Braves 3B Austin Riley, 29, enters his 8th MLB season after two years of declining production, with 4.1 fWAR combined in 2024-25. His 2024 season ended due to a hit-by-pitch, while 2025 was cut short by abdominal strains requiring core surgery, with his xwOBA dipping to .328. Despite defensive improvements, concerns remain regarding his swing-and-miss and contact quality. Riley holds the Braves' most lucrative contract ($212M over 10 years). The team's 2026 success is heavily reliant on his ability to bounce back from these issues.