Atlanta’s playoff hopes may rest on Austin Riley finding his MVP form again

The Atlanta Braves know they need more from Austin Riley if they hope to make a strong push during the second half of the season.

Just a few years ago, Riley established himself as one of baseball’s premier power hitters. In 2023, the All-Star third baseman looked every bit like a perennial National League MVP candidate, blasting his third consecutive 30-home run season while anchoring the middle of Atlanta’s lineup.

Since then, however, consistency has been harder to find.

Over the past three seasons, Riley has totaled 72 home runs before the 2026 season , a noticeable drop from the elite production Braves fans had come to expect. Injuries played a significant role in that decline. A broken hand limited him during the 2024 campaign, and an abdominal strain interrupted his rhythm in 2025.

This season has presented a different challenge.

Riley’s shocking slump could be the key to saving the Braves’ season

Unlike the previous two years, Riley has remained healthy, yet his offensive production has not returned to its previous level. He entered the All-Star break with a .618 OPS, well below the standards he set during his breakout years.

Despite those struggles, there is optimism inside the Braves organization that Riley can turn things around. A productive second half from the veteran slugger could dramatically improve Atlanta’s lineup as the club battles for postseason positioning.

The talent has never been in question. Riley still possesses the power to change a game with one swing and has shown throughout his career that he can carry an offense for extended stretches. His track record suggests the current numbers are more of an exception than the norm.

The Braves’ offense has flashed its potential at times this season, but it has lacked the consistency that defined the club during its recent division-title runs. A resurgent Riley would provide much-needed protection for Atlanta’s other stars while lengthening an already dangerous lineup.

With the second half now underway, the Braves are counting on Riley to rediscover the form that once made him one of the National League’s most feared hitters. If he does, Atlanta’s playoff hopes could receive the boost they desperately need.

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