The Atlanta Braves’ subpar start to the season, while difficult, might be salvageable with a few small moves, according to one MLB insider. Atlanta finds itself in an unfamiliar spot—chasing two teams in the National League East.
Looking at the roster, the fact that the Braves are nearly a dozen games out of first place speaks to how disastrous the first two months were. Fortunately for them, with several stars returning from injury, there’s still time to close the gap. But how can they shift out of this early-season funk?
Can the Atlanta Braves Correct Course? One MLB Writer Details the Road Back
With a mix of young talent and veteran leadership, many expected the Braves to once again cruise into the playoffs as contenders. Instead, a mix of bad luck, cold bats, and questionable bullpen decisions have left them on the outside looking in.
If they can’t turn things around soon, Atlanta may miss the playoffs altogether. Still, there’s reason for hope. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic shared his insight on how the Braves can get back on track before the season slips away.
“The Braves need more from their offense, which, before their 10-run eruption Thursday, was tied with the Marlins for 22nd in runs per game. They also need to fix their bullpen, which underwent another shakeup after Thursday’s shocking ninth-inning collapse.
“Daysbel Hernández to the injured list, Scott Blewett designated for assignment, and Craig Kimbrel and Dylan Dodd up from Triple A. Yet, for all the Braves’ middle-inning maneuvering, the biggest problem remains closer Raisel Iglesias, whose .956 opponents’ OPS essentially means he is turning every hitter into Pete Alonso.”
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To break down Rosenthal’s analysis, start with the offense. Atlanta plays in a division with four hitter-friendly ballparks, including its own Truist Park. That means scoring shouldn’t be a long-term issue—especially when the right breeze can turn a fly ball into extra bases.
Currently, third baseman Austin Riley, first baseman Matt Olson, and designated hitter Marcell Ozuna are carrying the offense. Ronald Acuña Jr.’s return should help, providing immediate power since he returned. The Braves also hoped to get production from free-agent addition Jurickson Profar, but he tested positive for PEDs and won’t return until later in the season.
Meanwhile, the bullpen appears to be the more urgent concern. Rosenthal noted that the Braves have already played 25 one-run games and are just 9–16 in those contests. Closer Raisel Iglesias has a 6.75 ERA, which has made every save opportunity feel like a roll of the dice.
In response, Atlanta dipped into the past by calling up nine-time All-Star Craig Kimbrel. The franchise icon, who spent his first five seasons with the Braves, brings experience and familiarity with the organization.
Right now, Atlanta is on the brink of falling out of the playoff race. A few timely fixes—and a little patience—might be enough to steady the ship. But with the team 11 games out of first place, the next few weeks leading up to the All-Star break will be crucial. Can they do enough to avoid selling at the July 31 trade deadline?