The Atlanta Braves are off to a blistering start in 2026, boasting a 28-13 record—the best in Major League Baseball. They've built a commanding nine-game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League East, and key players like Spencer Strider, Raisel Iglesias, and Sean Murphy have returned from injuries to bolster the roster. But even the best teams have room to grow, and for the Braves, that area is on the basepaths.

Despite their overall dominance, Atlanta's stolen base game has been a glaring weakness. According to MLB.com's Theo DeRosa, the Braves have swiped just 21 bags this season while getting caught 10 times. That 67.7% success rate ranks as the second-worst in all of Major League Baseball. For a team known for its power and contact hitting, the lack of efficiency on the bases is an unexpected chink in the armor.

Ronald Acuña Jr., who famously stole 73 bases in 2023, leads the team with seven steals this season—but he's also been caught four times, tied for the most in the majors. Since undergoing surgery on both knees, Acuña hasn't been the same explosive threat on the basepaths, managing just 32 steals combined over the 2024 and 2025 seasons. To make matters worse, he's currently sidelined with a Grade 1 hamstring strain.

Ozzie Albies and Mauricio Dubón have combined to go 0-for-5 on steal attempts, further highlighting the team's struggles. Jorge Mateo is second on the team in steals, but the Braves clearly need to pick their spots more wisely if they want to add another dimension to their already potent offense. With the season still young, tightening up on the basepaths could be the key to keeping their championship aspirations on track.