Braves' Austin Riley's career-long struggles flaring back up amid deafening start to 2026 season
This is not a good sign for Austin Riley at all.
Austin Riley USA TODAY NETWORK Braves' Austin Riley's career-long struggles flaring back up amid deafening start to 2026 season originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The Atlanta Braves have dealt with an inconsistent Austin Riley over the past couple of seasons.
Some have even begun to question whether his record-breaking contract has been worth it for Atlanta. “It's just hard to agree that it has been a worthy investment thus far, with his performance middling out and a couple of season-ending injuries. Those things aren't his fault, but it's tough not having him on the field,” HTHB’s Steven Teal said.
“Riley is one of the best hitters in baseball when he is healthy and staying disciplined at the plate. There's plenty of reason to be optimistic that he can return to form. However, he will have to work hard next season to convince fans that he will be more than an average player the remainder of his Braves career.
” To begin the 2026 season, Riley has gotten off to a slow start. “Since opening day, Riley is 3-for-31 (. 097), with three walks, two RBIs and an extra-base hit.