The 2024 Atlanta Braves look to make it back to the top of the MLB mountain after back-to-back disappointing postseason exits.
Where were they in 2023?
The Braves were one of the favorites in the National League to reach the World Series. While not as popular of a pick as the Dodgers, prognosticators still thought highly of the Braves who are only three years removed from winning a World Series title. Atlanta stacked its roster helping guide the team to another NL East title and more than 100 wins.
However, the team’s 2023 postseason exit mirrored its 2022 exit. The Braves lost in four games to division rival Philadelphia for the second straight year. It was a disappointing ending to a team that earned a bye past the Wild Card round in each season.
The Braves saw individual success after Ronald Acuña Jr. put up one of the greatest years in the plate and on the base paths in baseball history. He hit 41 home runs and stole 73 bases on his way to a unanimous MVP selection.
Key Addition
While Atlanta made a few free agent signings to help bolster its lineup, the big move was made through a trade. The Braves acquired Chris Sale in a trade with the Boston Red Sox. Sale helped Boston win the 2018 World Series but has dealt with injury issues over the past few seasons. Atlanta hopes he returns to mid-2010s form to give them another strong arm in their rotation.
Avoiding Arbitration
Sale may have been the big pitching acquisition for Atlanta, but they managed to sign three pitchers to ensure their contract negotiations didn’t reach arbitration. The biggest signing here is Max Fried who has been a key part of the Braves rotation for the past few years. Atlanta also reached deals with A.J. Minter and Huascar Ynoa helping shore up the rotation and bullpen, although Ynoa starts the season in the minors.
Depth Chart
Starting Rotation – Spencer Strider, Fried, Charlie Morton, Sale, Reynaldo López
Bullpen – Raisel Iglesia, Joe Jiménez, Minter, Aaron Bummer, Pierce Johnson, Tyler Matzek, Jackson Stevens, Dylan Lee, Penn Murfee, Angel Perdomo,
Starting Lineup – OF Acuña, 2B Ozzie Albies, 3B Austin Riley, 1B Matt Olson, DH Marcell Ozuna, OF Michael Harris, C Sean Murphy, SS Orlando Arcia, OF Jarred Kelenic
Bench – C Travis D’arnaud, 2B Forrest Wall, SS David Fletcher, OF Adam Duvall, OF Luke Williams, 3B Luis Guillorme, OF Juan Pablo Martinez
Where do they plan to go?
The Braves possess the talent to return to the World Series in 2024. Given their roster, they will certainly be in the postseason whether they make it as division champions or a wild card team. The roster remains stacked, and Sale should still have some good innings to give.
Win projection: 100 to 101 wins
World Series Odds: +450 (Via FanDuel)
The 2024 Braves have the second best odds to win the World Series behind the Los Angeles Dodgers. Atlanta remains the favorites to win the division. This team has the ability to turn around their postseason fortunes. The question now is, will they?
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