Now is the Time to Buy Low on the Atlanta Braves in the NL East
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
Despite a rocky 1-8 start, the Atlanta Braves still hold considerable value for MLB bettors willing to look beyond the early season noise. With key injuries and a slow offensive start, the Braves are far from their full potential—but the betting markets have reacted sharply, creating what could be the best buying opportunity of the 2025 season.
Buck Showalter Talks Slow Start to Season for Atlanta Braves
Braves’ Early Struggles Explained: Injuries and Cold Bats
The Atlanta Braves opened the season with a dismal 1-8 record, sitting at the bottom of the NL East behind the surging Philadelphia Phillies (6-2), the New York Mets (5-3), and the Miami Marlins (5-3). However, this slow start needs to be taken in context. Atlanta has been without ace pitcher Reynaldo López and superstar Ronald Acuña Jr., both critical pieces to their championship puzzle.
Without their leadoff catalyst and top-of-the-rotation arm, the Braves have lacked both offensive spark and pitching stability. Yet, this roster—once healthy—is still one of the most talented in baseball.
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Betting Market Shift: Braves Division Odds Swing to +300
Before Opening Day, the Braves were slight NL East favorites, priced at -115 to win the division. After the 1-8 start, that number has ballooned to +300 (3-to-1), signaling a massive swing in market sentiment. For value-driven MLB bettors, this could be the lowest point in the Braves’ odds all season.
The time to back the Braves is when the public perception is at its lowest—and that time is now.
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Mid-May Target: The Health Factor Is the X-Factor
Reports suggest both López and Acuña are on track to return by mid-May. If the Braves can tread water and finish April near .500, the reinforcements could turn the tide quickly. This team doesn’t need to win every series in April—they just need to survive.
A healthy Braves squad features:
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A top-5 lineup anchored by Acuña, Matt Olson, and Austin Riley
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A rotation with Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, and López
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One of the most consistent bullpens in the National League
Don’t forget: this is a team that won 100+ games in back-to-back seasons and remains one of the deepest in the majors.
Phillies Rotation Depth Could Be a Problem… Later
The Phillies are off to a strong start, led by an electric beginning from Jesús Luzardo, a breakout name in both betting and fantasy circles. But while Philly’s rotation (Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Cristopher Sánchez, Ranger Suarez) is deep now, the long haul of a 162-game season often tests that depth.
The Braves have a higher ceiling—especially once fully healthy—and betting markets may again reflect that come June.
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Braves Betting Strategy: Double Down Before the Market Corrects
For Braves backers who believed in this team during spring training, this +300 price is a gift. You’re not going to find a better number all season if the team rebounds. And if you didn’t bet them preseason? This is your second chance.
Sprinkle a unit or two on the Braves to win the NL East at current +300 odds. Consider a futures parlay with a World Series ticket at inflated odds as well.
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Final Word: Don’t Panic—Buy the Dip
The Braves’ slow start is frustrating, but not defining. If they stay healthy moving forward and get their stars back soon, Atlanta is still the team to beat in the NL East. And smart MLB bettors know that value lies in the overreactions of April.
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