Which MLB Team Has Suffered the Worst Injury Woes in 2026?

Injury problems have plagued several teams in the 2026 season, but which organization has been hit the hardest? From starting rotations to bullpens and lineups, multiple contenders have seen key players sidelined, altering their trajectories early in the year. Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Houston, and Toronto are among the most affected, each facing a unique set of challenges.

The Atlanta Braves have one of the most impressive injury lists in baseball. Five starting pitchers, Spencer Schwellenbach, Spencer Strider, Hurston Waldrep, AJ Smith-Shawver, and Joey Wentz, are currently on the shelf, with the first four forming a rotation that would rival any playoff team. Catcher Sean Murphy and shortstop Ha-Seong Kim are also out, yet the Braves remain atop the NL East. Their depth has masked the damage, with Drake Baldwin and Mauricio Dubon stepping up in a big way.

The Baltimore Orioles, despite their depth, have been tested early. Starting pitcher Zach Eflin is out for the season after UCL surgery, while the lineup is missing Jordan Westburg, Jackson Holliday, Adley Rutschman, Tyler O’Neill, Ryan Mountcastle, and Heston Kjerstad. The bullpen has also been hit hard, with Felix Bautista, Keegan Akin, and Andrew Kittredge all sidelined, leaving Ryan Helsley as the only reliable late-inning arm.

The Chicago Cubs have struggled with just one major injury, but it may be the most impactful. Star right-hander Cade Horton, who looked like a rising ace, is out for the year after UCL surgery. Justin Steele is still recovering from his own procedure, and top bullpen additions Phil Maton and Hunter Harvey are also on the IL. Seiya Suzuki returned from WBC injury, but Matthew Boyd is still sidelined with an arm issue.

The Houston Astros have lost key contributors across the roster. Hunter Brown, Cristian Javier, Tatsuya Imai, and Cody Bolton are all out of the rotation. Outfielder Jake Meyers is sidelined with an oblique strain, and infielder Jeremy Peña is out with a hamstring injury. Star closer Josh Hader is also sidelined with biceps tendinitis, and the team is missing Nate Pearson and Bennett Sousa from the bullpen.

The Toronto Blue Jays, reigning AL champs, have been hit particularly hard in the rotation. Cody Ponce, Bowden Francis, Jose Berrios, Shane Bieber, and Trey Yesavage are all on the IL, with only Yesavage likely to return soon. The team is relying on a 38-year-old Max Scherzer and Patrick Corbin in the early going. The lineup has also been affected, with Alejandro Kirk and George Springer both out.

With so many teams facing injury challenges, the debate is wide open. Fans and analysts are weighing in on which team has been most impacted. The next few weeks will determine if any of these clubs can recover or if their seasons will be defined by early adversity.