MLB Opening Day is here and the annual Sports 'N Torts MLB/Braves preview is here to get you ready. Host Joshua Stein is joined once again by Josh Gernatt and Casey Collins for a wide-ranging, candid, and entertaining breakdown of the 2026 MLB season, with a focus on the Atlanta Braves. The crew dives into an unfortunate bearish outlook on the Braves, driven by mounting pitching injuries, roster uncertainty, and the fallout from Jurickson Profar’s suspension.

Despite concerns, there’s still optimism around a talented core featuring Ronald Acuña Jr., Austin Riley, Matt Olson, and Ozzie Albies, along with intriguing developments like Drake Baldwin’s rise and a more flexible lineup under new manager Walt Weiss.

Beyond Atlanta, the conversation expands to:

• The Dodgers’ dominance and its impact on competitive balance in MLB
• Key league-wide storylines and offseason moves
• Early World Series predictions
• The growing popularity and impact of the World Baseball Classic, which captivated both fans and younger audiences

The episode blends analysis, humor, and real fan perspective—making it the perfect kickoff to the 2026 baseball season.

📝 Show Notes

⚾ Braves Season Preview

• A rare bearish outlook on the Braves heading into 2026
• Pitching concerns dominate:
  • Spencer Strider injury update
  • Ongoing rotation instability
  • Questions around depth and durability
  
  
• Chris Sale returns as the anchor of the rotation
• Bryce Elder’s role as a necessary innings-eater
• Emerging arm to watch: Didier Fuentes

🧠 New Manager, New Approach

• Transition from Brian Snitker to Walt Weiss
• Debate: continuity vs. fresh perspective
• Expect more:
  • Lineup rotation
  • Rest days for key players
  • Flexibility vs. traditional consistency
  
  

🔥 Offensive Outlook

• Still projected as a top-tier lineup—if healthy
• Key players:
  • Ronald Acuña Jr. (MVP-level expectations)
  • Austin Riley (bounce-back candidate)
  • Matt Olson (consistent power bat)
  • Ozzie Albies (health = production)
  
  
• X-Factor: Michael Harris II
• Breakout potential: Drake Baldwin

🚫 Jurickson Profar Fallout

• Suspension shakes roster construction
• Raises concerns about:
  • Front office decision-making
  • Clubhouse trust
  
  
• Long-term contract implications linger

🔄 Bullpen Strength

• Potential team strength in 2026
• Key additions and returners:
  • Raisel Iglesias
  • Robert Suarez
  
  
• Strategy: multiple high-leverage arms vs. single closer

📺 Braves Vision & Viewing Changes

• New direct-to-consumer streaming model
• ~$100 season package option
• Shift away from traditional regional networks

🌎 Around Major League Baseball

🏆 Dodgers & League Imbalance

• Dodgers remain the team to beat
• Heavy spending + deferred contracts raise concerns about:
  • Competitive balance
  • Potential future lockout
  
  
• Discussion of salary cap + floor

🔄 Notable Moves & Teams to Watch

• Blue Jays, Mariners, Royals highlighted as contenders
• Mets, Phillies remain strong in NL East
• Yankees, Astros still in the mix

🔮 Predictions & Betting Angle