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North Port Today
By the People, for the People
Atlanta Braves Kick Off 2026 Spring Training at CoolToday
The team aims to rebound after missing the 2025 postseason and return to the playoffs under new manager Walt Weiss.
Published on Feb. 12, 2026
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The Atlanta Braves have reported to spring training at CoolToday Park as they prepare for the 2026 MLB season. The team is looking to bounce back after missing the playoffs in 2025 and is now under the direction of first-year manager Walt Weiss, a former Braves player who previously managed the Colorado Rockies. The Braves have a strong recent history, having made the playoffs for six consecutive seasons before 2025 and winning the World Series in 2021.
Why it matters
The Braves' spring training marks a critical period as the team seeks to reclaim its status as a playoff contender after a disappointing 2025 season. With a new managerial approach under Weiss and key players working to sharpen their skills and chemistry, the decisions and performances during this early period could shape the team's chances and objectives for 2026.
The details
Ground crews worked early Tuesday morning to ensure the fields were in excellent condition for the Braves as they begin practice aimed at improving from last year's 76-86 record that placed them fourth in the National League East. Weiss, who played as a shortstop for Atlanta between 1998 and 2000 and returned as a coach from 2018 until the end of 2025, shared insight into the team's strategy, saying they are "neutralizing some platoon situations here with all of our switch hitters" and that they "can play the matchup game really well."
- On Tuesday, the Atlanta Braves became the first among the three Major League Baseball teams training on the Suncoast to have their pitchers and catchers report for spring training.
- All Braves players are set to begin full team practices on Sunday, February 15.
- The first spring training game is scheduled for Saturday, February 21, when Atlanta will face the Tampa Bay Rays in Port Charlotte.
The players
Walt Weiss
The Braves' first-year manager, who previously played as a shortstop for the team between 1998 and 2000 and returned as a coach from 2018 until the end of 2025 before being named manager. This marks his second managerial role in MLB, following his time with the Colorado Rockies from 2013 to 2016.
What they’re saying
“We're neutralizing some platoon situations here with all of our switch hitters,”
— Walt Weiss, Manager
“We can play the matchup game really well.”
— Walt Weiss, Manager
What’s next
The Braves will continue their spring training preparations, with the first game scheduled for February 21 against the Tampa Bay Rays. The team will use these sessions to sharpen their skills and chemistry ahead of the regular season, focusing on strategies that may help them reach the postseason once again.
The takeaway
The start of spring training signals a critical phase for the Braves as they seek to improve upon a disappointing 2025 season. With an experienced but new managerial approach under Weiss and key players working on their roles, the decisions and performances in this early period could shape the team's chances and objectives for 2026 as they aim to reclaim their status as a playoff contender.
