The Atlanta Braves must overcome significant losses and, if healthy, should make the playoffs in 2025. The health part is tricky for the Braves, as last season’s injuries did them in. While they did lose free agent pitcher Max Fried to the New York Yankees, there is enough star power on the Atlanta roster to make the playoffs. Pitcher Chris Sale is excellent and has seemingly found the fountain of youth.
Ronald Acuna Jr. is a threat to repeat his 40 home run and 40 stolen base season of 2023. Ozzie Abiles is, similarly, a great hitter. And, like Acuna Jr. is coming off an injury-shortened season. Sean Murphy, Matt Olson, and Austin Riley need bounce-back years. Do you think the Braves have a shot at redemption?
Atlanta Braves Starting Rotation
Sale is the ace of this rotation for the Braves. He had an outstanding season last year and gets better with age. The side-arming left-handed pitcher is a nice ace in the wake of Max Fried signing with the Yankees. The second starter for the team is Spencer Strider. However, he is still injured, so the number two role in the starting rotation falls to Spencer Schwellenbach, the right-handed prospect who looks like Atlanta’s next All-Star.
Third in the rotation is Reynaldo Lopez, who had an earned run average under 2.00 as a starting pitcher. He has established himself as a valuable starting rotation member, especially now. Grant Holmes has no minor league options and is slated as the fourth starter. Ian Anderson and AJ Smith-Shawver provide some much-needed depth, and the fifth starter spot will be decided between them during spring training.
Atlanta Braves Bullpen
The closer is Rafeal Iglesias. He had 24 saves for Atlanta last season and, in a rarity for closers, throws four pitches. Aaron Bummer is the next option out of the bullpen for the Braves. He is effectively a side-arm pitcher. Dylan Lee, along with Bummer and Angel Perdomo, are the primary left-handed pitchers in the team’s bullpen.
Pierce Johnson is a setup specialist for Atlanta. He is a returnee who pitched in 58 games for the Braves last season. Expect Daysbel Hernandez and Anderson Pilar to be in the mix as well.
Catching
Sean Murphy will be the primary catcher after posting a 76 OPS+ last season. He needs to have a better year. Gone is Travis D’arnaud, who signed with the Los Angeles Angels. Prospect Drake Baldwin provides depth for Atlanta at catcher and might push Murphy for the starting position.
Infield
Around the infield from first to third, Atlanta has Matt Olson, Ozzie Abiles, Orlando Arcia, and Austin Riley. Whether through injury or regression, all four players had bad years and are looking to bounce back in the 2025 season. That starts in spring training. Utility man Nick Allen backs up every position on the infield except first base.
Outfield
The Braves need Ronald Acuna Jr. to be healthy and play right field. He is not, and Jarred Kelenic (formerly a top-ten prospect in baseball) and Bryan De La Cruz will platoon in right until he is ready. Michael Harris II is the center fielder and is an elite defender. Jurickson Profar was acquired to play left field for the Braves. He hit 24 home runs last year for the San Diego Padres.
Designated Hitter
Marcell Ozuna hits well, but he cannot field, so he is firmly ensconced as the designated hitter for the Braves. He appears set to thrive at designated hitter for several years. If he plays any games for Atlanta in the outfield, things are going poorly for them.
Management
Alex Anthopoulos is the Brave’s President of Baseball Operations and General Manager and their key baseball decision-maker. He is one of the best executives in baseball. Brandon Schnitker is the manager for Atlanta. At one time, he was thought to be just keeping the seat warm, but he has done a good job.
Conclusion
In summary, if the Atlanta Braves get better health than last year, and the key players have bounce-back seasons, they are good enough to earn a playoff spot in 2025. That may be a wildcard spot, but all they need to do is get into the tournament. They feel like ace starter Chris Sale can match up with anyone. This team could be dangerous if their stars and key players are healthy and have comeback campaigns.
