Braves Two-Time All-Star Dubbed a Playoff X-Factor

Atlanta third baseman Austin Riley could be key to team's postseason return

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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MLB.com's Brent Maguire has labeled Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley as the team's potential X-factor for the upcoming playoffs. After three straight seasons finishing in the top seven of MVP voting, including two All-Star selections, Riley has struggled with injuries over the past two years. However, if he can return to his previous form and hit 30-plus home runs, it would go a long way in helping the Braves make it back to the postseason.

Why it matters

The Braves have had a tough couple of seasons, and a bounce-back year from Riley could be crucial to their playoff hopes. As one of the team's key offensive pieces, his production will be vital to the Braves' success.

The details

Over the past two seasons, Riley has batted .258 with a .759 OPS, 35 home runs and 110 RBIs. This is a far cry from his previous three seasons, where he averaged 36 home runs and 99 RBIs. If Riley can return to that level of production, it would provide a major boost to the Braves' lineup.

  • Riley has had two seasons in a row featuring a slow start and a season-ending injury.

The players

Austin Riley

A third baseman for the Atlanta Braves who has been named to the All-Star team twice and has finished in the top seven of MVP voting in three straight seasons, though he has struggled with injuries over the past two years.

Brent Maguire

An MLB.com writer who has dubbed Austin Riley as the potential X-factor for the Atlanta Braves' playoff hopes.

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What they’re saying

“It's unfair to peg Riley as the sole reason why the Braves have struggled in the last two years, but he's very clearly one of the key players that make Atlanta's engine run. While the club will look to several players across the roster to bounce back, a vintage Riley season, where he crushes 30-plus homers and racks up a five-win season, would go a long way in helping the Braves return to the postseason.”

— Brent Maguire, MLB.com writer (MLB.com)

The takeaway

Riley's potential resurgence could be a major factor in the Braves' quest to return to the playoffs. If he can recapture his previous All-Star form and provide a power boost to the lineup, it would go a long way in helping the team overcome their recent struggles and make a deep postseason run.