Braves’ pitching dominance fueling MLB-best start in 2026

TL;DR

The Atlanta Braves are leading MLB in 2026 with a 2.93 team ERA, showcasing dominant pitching. Their top four starters have a combined 2.36 ERA, with Bryce Elder excelling at a 0.77 ERA in his first four starts.

Key points

Braves lead MLB with a 2.93 team ERA in 2026
Starting rotation has a 2.84 ERA, best in the National League
Top four starters combined for a 2.36 ERA
Bryce Elder has a 0.77 ERA in his first four starts
Closer Raisel Iglesias has not allowed an earned run in 20 appearances

Atlanta BravesBryce ElderChris SaleReynaldo López

Braves’ pitching dominance fueling MLB-best start in 2026 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Atlanta Braves are quickly establishing themselves as baseball’s most dominant pitching team in 2026, and the numbers back it up.

Atlanta currently leads all of Major League Baseball with a 2.93 team ERA, while its starting rotation paces the National League with a 2.84 ERA. Even more impressive, the Braves’ top four starters — Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, Grant Holmes, and Bryce Elder — have combined for a remarkable 2.36 ERA, providing consistency and depth at the top of the rotation.

Elder, in particular, has been a standout. The right-hander owns a 0.77 ERA through his first four starts of 2026, continuing a strong stretch that dates back to last season. Over his last 11 starts, Elder is 5-3 with a 2.12 ERA, allowing just 53 hits across 68 innings while striking out 64 and issuing only 15 walks. His command and poise have made him one of the most reliable arms in Atlanta’s rotation.

The dominance doesn’t stop there. The Braves’ bullpen has been equally overwhelming, anchored by closer Raisel Iglesias. Iglesias has not allowed an earned run in his last 20 appearances dating back to 2025, surrendering just seven hits in 20 1/3 innings while recording 11 saves.