State of the Braves

Despite a few good signs from Austin Riley and Sean Murphy, the Braves offense reached a new low in Wednesday's game against the Blue Jays. The offensive performance spoiled the return of Spencer Strider, and leaves fans wondering if this team can ever get it going.

The Braves start the season 0-6, Jurikson Profar gets suspended for a performance-enhancing drug, and Reynaldo Lopez is out for at least the first half of the season with a shoulder injury. It is the worse possible start for a team that was supposed to be one of the best in baseball. What has happened to this team? And can they rebound?

As the season is almost here, join me as I once make some bold predictions about the Braves season. Which players might vy for the MVP, Cy Young, all-star appearances, and more? And which players might lose their jobs by the end of the year? The bottom line is the Braves should bounce back from a rough, injury-filled 2024 season and be big-time World Series contenders. It should be a fun season to watch.

What team will win the NL East? Have the Phillies really overtaken the Braves as the favorite to win the East or are the "experts" forgetting just how good the Braves are when healthy? Can the Braves legitimately hope to beat the Dodgers? We'll discuss that and more in a full playoff prediction episode.

Sean Murphy goes down with a cracked rib for 4-6 weeks, opening the door for top prospect Drake Baldwin to start the year in the big leagues. Is Baldwin ready and what might happen with the Braves' catching situation beyond the first few weeks.

Perhaps we forget too quickly how good this team can be. But early in spring, the signs are there that 2024 is in the rear view mirror. Jurikson Profar is already showing the type of player he can be, while Austin Riley and Matt Olson are looking much better than they did last spring. Meanwhile on the pitching side of things, A.J. Smith-Shawver and Spencer Schwellenbach are providing confidence that the pitching staff may have all the depth it needs. Not everything is positive, and it's very early, but after last season, we should take every positive thing we can get.

We all lived through a difficult Braves' 2024 season. Let's think good thoughts. What good things could break right for the Braves this spring? From good health, to surprise performers, to some needed development from some young players, spring training could set up things nicely for the Braves to be one of the best teams in baseball in 2025.

Other than adding Jurikson Profar, the Braves have done next to nothing this offseason despite having a team that can compete for a championship. Why? Part of the reason may be the long-term outlook. Join me as I break down the Braves roster situation over the next few years, where there s

The Braves finally break radio silence and sign all-star left fielder Jurikson Profar to a 3-year, $42 million deal. Profar, the newest Brave from Curacao, fits for many reasons, not only filling an obvious need in the outfield, but bringing on-base skills and a low strikeout rate to a team that prioritizes power. Profar is coming off a career year, so the big question is, will the changes he made last off-season that worked so well be a permanent fix. If so, the fan favorite from San Diego may just become a fan favorite in Atlanta. We also discuss the rumors that Dylan Cease and Michael King are being shopped by the Padres. Which one is the best fit for the Braves?

Is anyone else annoyed, confused, or downright over the Braves' offseason? The Dodgers have dominated the baseball offseason for the 2nd consecutive year, while the Braves haven't signed or traded for a single major league player. What is going on? Is it actually possible that no major moves are made by Alex Anthopolous and the Atlanta front office? While that is unlikely, it is getting harder to remain patient as spring training approaches and all of the Braves' biggest competitors get better.

Despite being inactive this offseason, there are still many good players the Braves could still acquire through free agency or via trade. In this episode, we dive into which positions and players the Braves should prioritize. We also discuss whether the international signing period could be a factor holding up the Braves' decisions, and we imagine a scenario where Ozuna plays the outfield and opens a path for Drake Baldwin to begin the year on the opening day roster.

While the Braves' front office has done a great job building a perennial contender, the farm system has lagged behind for some time, especially when it comes to position prospects. In this episode, we discuss why that is and why it is so important that the Braves start addressing this weakness.

Alex Anthopolous and the rest of the Braves' brass have been strangely silent thus far this offseason. While other contenders, including the Mets and Phillies, have added through trades and free agency, the Braves have only added a few non-consequential depth pieces. Are they just patiently waiting to strike on a big-time player, or are they pinching pennies and willing to stand pat with their current roster in 2025. Braves fans are getting a little impatient, and I can't blame them.

With the free agent market at an all-time high, will the Braves pivot to trades to fill out their needs? In this Winter Meetings episode, we dive into some possible trade scenarios for the Braves to solve their outfield and starting pitching needs, with a few surprises.

Let's attempt the impossible and try to read the mind of Alex Anthopoulos. How will the Braves' tackle this offseason? Will they go for a big free agent like Willy Adames? Will they bring back Max Fried? Will they trade for Garrett Crochet? Know Alex, he will hunt for value wherever he can find it.

Starting pitching, shortstop, outfield, and bullpen are all areas the Braves should target this offseason. But which areas will they prioritize? In this episode, I give you six different packages of moves the Braves could make to solidify the team, and I give you my favorite. Let me know which one you like best, or if there is a different strategy you would employ.

It's without debate that the Braves would not have sniffed the playoffs without the heroics of their starting rotation. Even with Spencer Strider going down with injury, Chris Sale, Max Fried, Reynaldo Lopez, and rookie Spencer Schwellenbach were terrific. Can they run it back in 2025 as Strider returns? The biggest question is, will Max Fried exit via free agency? We also discuss: Jorge Soler traded to the Angels for Griffin Canning Hitting Coach Tim Hyers' hitting philosophy Reynaldo Lopez and Aaron Bummer's new contracts Braves sit at #3 for 2025 World Series odds #braves #mlb

The Braves hire their new hitting coach Tim Hyers from the Texas Rangers. Will he bring a new hitting approach to the Braves? Freddie Freeman is about to win the World Series MVP. How should Braves fans feel about that as the Braves sit at home? The Braves' outfield was a disappointing combination of injury an underperformance. Other than health, what needs to happen for them to bounce back and become one of the best outfields in baseball?

After Brian Snitker made comments that the entire Braves' coach staff would return for 2025, Kevin Seitzer and two other coaches were fired by the Braves' front office. How much was Seitzer to blame for the Braves 2024 offensive failures? We'll discuss his comments after being fired and analyze what the Braves can do to improve moving forward. We also discuss Jeff Francoeur's recent comments on the Braves needing to address the shortstop position.

Despite all five Braves infielders being all-stars in 2023, the 2024 version of the Braves infield was a mixture of disappointing regression and injuries. How the the Braves' infield rebound to help the Braves reclaim the NL East and become World Series favorites in 2025?

The trying 2024 season ends abruptly for the Braves as the Padres sweep them 2-0 in the wild card round of the MLB playoffs. The Chris Sale injury and a lack of offense sunk the team. How much of the season can be blamed on injuries, and what do the Braves need to do in the offseason to strengthen their roster moving forward?

Last week it looked unlikely that the Braves would make the playoffs. Then briefly it looked like a lock. Then it required the Braves to beat the Mets in the final game of the year. Thankfully, the Braves got it done, but they had to do it without their ace, Chris Sale. Now, without an off day and without Sale, the Braves will have to figure out who is pitching in game 1 of their series against the Padres. It's been a season of constant injuries and challenges. We'll see if the Braves have a postseason run in them. At least they made the playoffs!

With Ozzie Albies' return, the Braves hope to earn the last wild card spot against the Mets with the upcoming series in Atlanta. Do they have what it takes? Will their style of power and pitching be enough, while overcoming all of the many obstacles the 2024 season has brought? We also discuss Chipper Jones' recent comments on the Braves' offensive philosophy from the top down, and the weaknesses of it that have been exposed this season.

As bad as the Braves' offense has been thanks to a combination of injuries and underperformance, the starting rotation and closer Raisel Iglesias have been spectacular this season. Can the pitching staff really drag this team into October? Or perhaps the offense can find new life in the last few weeks of the season. In a season filled with bad breaks and little magic, it may just take good ol' fashion grinding to get the job done. But the Mets aren't going to make it easy.

The Braves had a chance to win every game in the four-game set in Philly, but poor execution and questionable coaching decisions were all the Phillies needed to take 3 of 4 from the Braves and likely seal up the division. The Braves will have to bounce back in a big way after the disappointing result, as the Mets are only 1 game out of the final wild card spot held by the Braves.

With yet another staple of their lineup out in Austin Riley, can the Braves pivot to a different way of winning games and actually make the playoffs? Can Riley come back for the playoffs if they do make it? What can Gio Urshela provide and how much can we expect from this rag-tag group? A lot will depend on the strength of the starting staff, anchored by Chris Sale.

After the Braves take two consecutive extra-inning games from the Giants, Michael Harris returns and hits a grand slam in his first at-bat in two months. Though the offense is still inconsistent, the Braves are showing signs of life after a devastating loss in Colorado. With Chris Sale pitching his way towards a Cy Young, health is the name of the game for the Braves the rest of the way. We also discuss the unique catching decisions the Braves have to make this season and beyond.

After pulling within 5 games of the Phillies, the Braves have gone on a 6 game losing streak and looked really bad doing it. Is this team even capable of making the playoffs? What's gone so wrong this year after such a dominant 2023 regular season? And why have they responded so poorly to adversity compared to the 2021 World Series team?

The Braves only make one move at the trade deadline, bring back familiar faces Jorge Soler and Luke Jackson. Will getting the band back together work? Perhaps more importantly, Matt Olson seems to have found his stroke. And even Orlando Arcia has come to life. The Braves have gained some ground in the division and things are finally looking up.

On the heels of a crushing loss to the Mets, it's more obvious than ever how much the Braves need a boost at the trade deadline, especially in the outfield. Join me as I dive into some of the best options on the trade market! Hopefully whoever they add can bring some new life and some offensive production.

It's been a struggle of a first half for the Braves. A combination of injury and underperformance have both been too common. Of course, there have been some great performers too. There are two big things the Braves can do to rebound and build a contender to get the Braves back to the postseason and perhaps even the World Series. We also analyze the Braves draft, highlighted by their selection of Cam Caminiti.

What will the Braves do in the first few rounds of the 2024 MLB draft? It's hard to predict, but let's look back at the last few years to find trends. We'll also take a look at a few of the players that have been mocked to the Braves and try to find the best fits for the Braves' system.

After dropping the first game of their series against the Phillies and falling to 10 games back, the Braves bounce back in a big way to win the last two games of the series. Sure, they beat the Phillies without Harper or Schwarber, but it is still a move in the right direction. Meanwhile, the Braves add Eddie Rosario on a minor league deal and All-Star reserves are announced.

Can the Braves be more consistent? It will start with improving their play on the road and hitting righties better. Improving in these areas of weakness will likely bring a lot more wins. On the positive side, Austin Riley is officially out of his early season funk, and Jarred Kelenic is providing reasons to believe in him long-term.

Though it is only two games, the Braves' offense seems to be coming around. Most notably, Austin Riley appears to have solved some of his swing issues and is starting to hit the fastball again. With him, Olson, and Ozuna going well together, it is a reminder of how formidable this offense can be.

The offense for the Braves continues to underperform, which has meant less fun and excitement on the field. Even with Acuna down, the Braves have plenty of talent to get things back on track, but will they? And can they fix what has suddenly been a major flaw this season?

Ronald heartbreakingly goes down with his 2nd torn ACL, an injury fairly rare for baseball players. What is the impact for him and for the team? The team is in 2nd place behind the Phillies. This will be a major test to see how they respond. But they have done it before. Can they turn 2024 into another 2021? Time will tell.

Just how much of an impact does Chipper Jones have on the Braves' offensive success? I would argue a lot. His voice is an important one, and the Braves hitters would be smart to listen to any insight that Chipper has to turn around their offensive struggles this season.

The Braves go 1-5 in their west coast road trip against the Mariners and Dodgers. It's easy to feel a bit down as a Braves fan right now. Their vaunted offense is underperforming and the Phillies have taken the top spot in the NL East. So, what is to blame for the offensive struggles? And how can the Braves bounce back quickly?

The Braves' starters have been on quite a tear lately. Led by Max Fried's awesome "Maddux" shutout, the entire five-man staff has been lights out. Travis d'Arnaud has been the star of the offense. His three-homer game provided a memorable moment and a reminder of how good an offfensive performer he can be. And we are all happy to welcome back Ozzie Albies, as he came off the IL from his toe fracture.

Marcell Ozuna's career resurgence should be appreciated. It's rare and remarkable. And impactful on the field! Even though the Braves have had to deal with their share of injuries in the early going of the 2024 season (including Ozzie Albies most recently), Ozuna's performance has a been a key to keeping the Braves on top of the NL East.

While the Braves are 7-4 and sitting atop the NL East, it feels as if they haven't come close to finding their groove yet. Ronald Acuna hasn't found his MVP form yet, Spencer Strider's injury has created a question at the fifth starter spot, and the bullpen has waivered in the last few games. Weather and the schedule haven't helped, but soon I expect this team to start rolling.

Spencer Strider's arm injury is a major blow to the Braves, but to what level? What are the short-term and long-term implications of the injury, and how do they ensure that Strider's injury does not derail their promising season?

The Braves start the 2024 regular season with a 2-1 series win against the Phillies in Philadelphia. The offense and the bullpen were particularly impressive. As early as it is, this series may provide a few clues to the strength of the Braves team. Even when stars like Max Fried falter, the Braves are more than capable of picking each other up and dominating the opponent.

Can the Braves repeat their 2023 win total? How will they perform in the playoffs? Which players are the most important for their regular season and playoff success? Tune in for a full season preview with complete playoff predictions for every MLB division along with my World Series matchup.

Join me as I give my 6 boldest Braves player predictions for the 2024 season. How good can Ronald Acuna be this year? Will Austin Riley take another step towards super-stardom? Can Spencer Strider win a Cy Young? All that and more in this fun episode.

With the additions of Chris Sale and Reynaldo Lopez, the Braves boast one of the top starting rotations in baseball. How good is it? Like all rotations, it will depend on health. But a full season of Strider, Fried, Sale, and Morton paired with the best offense in baseball would make the Braves a force to be reckoned with this season.

How good can the Braves outfield actually be? The sky is the limit for this talented young group anchored by the reigning MVP. Ronald Acuna, Michael Harris, and Jarred Kelenic could make up one of the best outfields in Braves history.

As the Braves begin spring training, we preview their vaunted infield. Last year the entire infield was named to the all-star team. Can it happen again? Who is likely to improve in 2024? Who might experience regression? Join me as we fully break down the Braves infield.

Ronald Acuna showed up to spring training and quickly announced he wants to be a Brave for life. In this episode, I analyze what a Ronald Acuna extension would look like, when it might happen, and how it might affect players like Max Fried and Ozzie Albies.

Everyone has been talking about how the Braves need to bring an edge to how they play this season. While that is certainly true, the maturation of Spencer Strider and Ronald Acuna, Jr. may be one of the most underrated parts of the Braves 2024 success and beyond. Evidence of this maturity and leadership is showing itself early in spring camp. Oh, and Ronald wants to be a Brave for life. So, that's good too.