Atlanta Braves banking on their young arms for 2026—can Fuentes, Waldrep, and Ritchie anchor the next great Atlanta rotation? Jake Mastroianni explores the high stakes of relying on pitching prospects over high-priced free agent signings and questions if GM Alex Anthopoulos will ever take a big swing for an ace. How does Atlanta balance developing youth, extending Ronald Acuña Jr., and competing for a championship with financial flexibility?

Jake Mastroianni also covers bold predictions for the future rotation, the potential impact of Mike Yastrzemski in the outfield, and why shortstop remains a crucial position for the Braves’ defensive identity. With mailbag insights on Freddie Freeman rumors, bullpen battles, and the looming challenge of MLB expansion in the Southeast, Braves fans get all the latest analysis on roster strategy, prospect development, and offseason moves. Is Atlanta building the next legendary rotation, or playing it too safe?

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Atlanta Braves pitching faces critical questions: Can Chris Sale and Spencer Strider anchor a rotation plagued by recent injuries, and does Atlanta’s young depth mean another run at NL dominance? Jake Mastroianni spotlights the contrasting fortunes between the Braves’ 2024 elite rotation and last season’s struggles, exploring projections for Sale, Strider, Reynaldo López, Grant Holmes, and Bryce Elder. With top prospects like J.R. Ritchie, Owen Murphy, and Lucas Braun waiting in the wings, competition for the fifth starter spot intensifies—will Atlanta’s bet on homegrown arms pay off, or is veteran insurance still needed?

Key bullpen battles heat up as Raisel Iglesias and Robert Suarez headline a rebuilt relief corps. Jake Mastroianni examines potential breakout candidates and analyzes whether the Braves’ blend of proven closers, bounce-back veterans like Tyler Kinley and Aaron Bummer, and untested arms can deliver top-10 performance. Dive into roster decisions, injury concerns, and what must go right for Atlanta’s staff to contend in 2026.

Everydayer Club

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

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Turbo Tax

For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life.

Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

Indeed

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Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

Use your Profit Boost on an NBA future and get entered for your chance to win a trip to the NBA Finals.

Play your game with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Atlanta Braves outfield poised for resurgence as Ronald Acuña Jr. eyes another MVP campaign. Can Michael Harris rebound and power the Braves back to elite status in 2026?

Jake Mastroianni breaks down the revamped Braves outfield featuring Acuña, Mike Yastrzemski, and Jurickson Profar, exploring key platoon strategies and depth concerns. The discussion spotlights Acuña’s remarkable fWAR contributions, Harris’s need for adjustments, and the impact of new additions like Yastrzemski on left field production. DH flexibility takes center stage with Profar, Drake Baldwin, and Sean Murphy sharing at-bats, raising questions about lineup construction. Highlights include Chris Sale’s contract extension, Braves Vision streaming launch, and pitching depth on display in spring training. Don’t miss this inside look at Atlanta’s path back to outfield dominance and their evolving roster strategy.

Everydayer Club

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Turbo Tax

For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life.

Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

Use your Profit Boost on an NBA future and get entered for your chance to win a trip to the NBA Finals.

Play your game with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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