From MLB Dominance to Doubt: Analyzing the Braves’ 2024 Season
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
Assessing the Braves’ Playoff Prospects and Odds
The Braves’ current struggles have cast doubt on their playoff aspirations. Losing key players like Acuña and Strider has exposed vulnerabilities, and the team has not adapted as smoothly as expected. Despite a strong start, their recent form has been lackluster, raising concerns about their ability to compete with top teams like the Phillies and Dodgers.
With a rotation that is one injury away from crisis and an underperforming lineup, the Braves’ path to the postseason is fraught with challenges. Their farm system’s current state may limit their trade options, making it harder to secure the needed reinforcements. As the season progresses, the Braves must find ways to overcome these obstacles to maintain their reputation as one of MLB’s elite teams.
Braves Futures Odds at FanDuel
World Series Winner: +800
NL Winner: +440
NL East Winner: +280
93.5 Reg. Season Wins: Yes (-120) | Under (-108)
Make Playoffs: -2800
Swing for the Fences with SportsGrid’s free daily MLB Game Picks and MLB Prop Picks.
Atlanta Braves: Season Overview and Current Struggles
The Atlanta Braves have set a high bar over the past few years, often considered a lock for the NL East title and a serious contender in October. However, the 2024 season has brought some unexpected challenges. Despite their strong start, the Braves have hit a rough patch, highlighted by a 9-15 record since mid-May. This slump included losses in two four-game series to the Washington Nationals, a team they typically dominate. Currently holding a 35-28 record, the Braves find themselves closer to the bottom teams in the division than to the leading Philadelphia Phillies. The absence of key players like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider has certainly impacted their performance, raising questions about their postseason prospects.
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Offensive Struggles: From Record-Setting to Below Average
Last year, the Braves boasted the best offense in baseball, leading in both home runs and runs scored. In contrast, since May 15th, their team OPS has plummeted to .658, ranking 22nd in MLB. They've collectively hit .226/.282/.376 with an 85 wRC+. The drop-off is evident across the lineup, with only Marcell Ozuna and Matt Olson maintaining above-average performances. Ozuna leads the NL in home runs (18), RBIs (55), and wRC+ (175), while Olson has a respectable .272/.313/.467 slash line with four homers.
Key players like Michael Harris II and Austin Riley have struggled significantly, with Riley hitting .230/.301/.347 and Harris at .248/.293/.354. The Braves' once-dominant lineup is failing to deliver at its previous level.
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Pitching Woes: Searching for Stability
The Braves' pitching staff, once a pillar of their success, is facing its own set of challenges. While Chris Sale, Max Fried, and Reynaldo Lopez have been strong, and Charlie Morton has been reliable with a 4.12 ERA. However, Morton’s recent performances have raised concerns. Over his last five starts, Morton has posted a 5.84 ERA, and at 40 years old, his durability is in question.
The rotation’s depth took a hit with Spencer Strider's injury, forcing rookies like Hurston Waldrep to step up. Waldrep struggled in his debut, allowing seven runs in less than four innings. Despite these issues, the Braves' bullpen remains a bright spot, ranking second in ERA in the National League. However, the team needs a stable fifth starter to solidify their rotation.
The Road Ahead: Turning the Season Around
The Braves' roster includes proven talents like Matt Olson, Austin Riley, and Ozzie Albies, who have the potential to bounce back. Riley’s early-season injury might be contributing to his slump, but his track record suggests a rebound is possible. Similarly, Harris had a slow start last year but finished strong, indicating he might turn his season around.
The Braves will likely seek to bolster their roster at the trade deadline, aiming to replace Acuña and strengthen their lineup. The success of their season may hinge on these mid-season adjustments and the return to form of their star players. Executive Alex Anthopoulos faces a challenging trade deadline, needing to secure impact players to remain competitive.
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Assessing the Braves’ Playoff Prospects and Odds
The Braves’ current struggles have cast doubt on their playoff aspirations. Losing key players like Acuña and Strider has exposed vulnerabilities, and the team has not adapted as smoothly as expected. Despite a strong start, their recent form has been lackluster, raising concerns about their ability to compete with top teams like the Phillies and Dodgers.
With a rotation that is one injury away from crisis and an underperforming lineup, the Braves’ path to the postseason is fraught with challenges. Their farm system’s current state may limit their trade options, making it harder to secure the needed reinforcements. As the season progresses, the Braves must find ways to overcome these obstacles to maintain their reputation as one of MLB’s elite teams.
Braves Futures Odds at FanDuel
World Series Winner: +800
NL Winner: +440
NL East Winner: +280
93.5 Reg. Season Wins: Yes (-120) | Under (-108)
Make Playoffs: -2800
Swing for the Fences with SportsGrid’s free daily MLB Game Picks and MLB Prop Picks.
Atlanta Braves: Season Overview and Current Struggles
The Atlanta Braves have set a high bar over the past few years, often considered a lock for the NL East title and a serious contender in October. However, the 2024 season has brought some unexpected challenges. Despite their strong start, the Braves have hit a rough patch, highlighted by a 9-15 record since mid-May. This slump included losses in two four-game series to the Washington Nationals, a team they typically dominate. Currently holding a 35-28 record, the Braves find themselves closer to the bottom teams in the division than to the leading Philadelphia Phillies. The absence of key players like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider has certainly impacted their performance, raising questions about their postseason prospects.
For all your MLB deep dives check out our friends at Just Baseball.
