State of the Braves

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.

Even though many publications have the Braves farm system ranked in the bottom five, there are exciting players at the top. Pitching is the most vital need for the Braves, but some lesser-known position players may provide some surprises for the Braves in the next few years, as well.

While the Braves' farm system is generally regarded as bottom third in baseball, the team has a great recent track record of development. Their commitment to high-character guys with upside has paid off most recently with players like Michael Harris and Spencer Strider. In this episode, I rank the Braves 9th-16th best prospects.

How is it possible that Andruw Jones still isn't in the Hall of Fame? The writers prove themselves as a poor judge of greatness. While Andruw had his offensive issues, he stands as the greatest defensive centerfielder of all-time. Tune in for my full argument for Andruw's induction. I don't think you wil find a more thoughtful analysis. He deserves to be in.

In this special episode, we look back at some of my favorite "non-star" Braves since I became a fan (1991). As you look back with me, consider who your favorite Braves have been over the years.

Soon after the Braves sign Chris Sale to a new contract that could take him through 2026, they lock up GM Alex Anthopoulos to a seven-year extension that will take him through 2031. Sale comes with some risk, but also potentially big rewards. Anthopoulos is a no-brainer. His long-term future with the Braves brings greater certainty to the Braves' bright future.

It's not surprising that the Braves acquired a starting pitcher this offseason, but no one was predicting that they would trade for 7-time all-star Chris Sale. Sending the talented, popular Vaughn Grissom to Boston, the Braves take on the often injured, but gifted Sale. Time will tell who wins this trade.

After an insane few weeks, the Dodgers have added Ohtani, Yamamoto, and Glasnow. The media narrative is they are a super team and by far the best team in baseball. But is that the reality? Let's take a deeper dive into 2024 and beyond for the Braves and Dodgers.

Though the Braves haven't made a big offseason splash, they are getting better with some high upside moves or controllable players. Time will tell if these moves pay off, but left field and the bullpen have a chance to be a bigger impact on the team in 2024. Meanwhile, we also identify a few more names the Braves could explore to fill out their pitching staff.

The Braves were the most active team at the winter meetings this season, adding high-upside LF Jarred Kelenic and making some other smaller moves in connection. While they had to take on some extra money to get him, Kelenic could be a shrewd addition. Meanwhile Ohtani goes to the Dodgers on an insane $700 million contract, which should release the floodgates for other moves to be made for the rest of the league.

While Dylan Cease looks like a current trade target for the Braves, AA has a penchant for pulling off a trade no one saw coming. Let's try to predict an unlikely trade that could happen.

With Aaron Nola going back to the Phillies, will the Braves' continue to hunt to a top flight pitcher? They added Reynaldo Lopez, who could be a big boost to the bullpen or be stretched out as a starter. Is that all the Braves intend to do on the pitching front, or is there more? Let's take a deep dive into the best remaining pitchers on the free agent and trade market.

Does anyone actually know what Shohei Ohtani's priorities are in free agency? If it's all about the money then the Braves have no shot. But most people admit that Ohtani is a different kind of guy. There is a world in which Ohtani comes to Atlanta. Let's have some fun and live in that world for a few minutes.

After a quiet start to the offseason, the Braves front office made some major changes this week, clearing 10 spots on their 40 man roster. Among those leaving are long-time Braves and fan favorites Michael Soroka and Kyle Wright. We'll break down the impacts of these moves and how it might mean big things to come as the Braves re-tool their roster in preparation for 2024. We also celebrate Ronald Acuna's MVP award!

The Braves bid a sad but thankful goodbye to Ron Washington as he accepts the Manager's job for the Angels. Meanwhile, the Braves accept Charlie Morton's club option while decline Eddie Rosario's. Now, as the offseason heats up, what will the Braves do at their two biggest areas on need: starting pitcher and left fielder? Is Yamamoto a realistic target? Could Juan Soto really be an option? Are the Brewers having a fire sale that could benefit Atlanta?

With the offseason in full swing, what will the Braves do to improve the starting rotation? How will they address left field? I'll give you my strategy and which players I would target.

One of the clearest needs for the Braves entering the offseason is starting pitching. Even if Charlie Morton returns for another season, add another proven starter who can win playoff games is a must. And it's not just about next season. The free agency of Max Fried looms large, and they Braves need to strike soon to bolster their rotation in the long-term.

In order to experience future postseason success, the Braves may need to adjust the roster. What position players go and which potential free agents are signed? Who could the Braves trade for? We start the conversation.

Let's take a deeper dive on what elements might help the Braves avoid more postseason heartbreak in 2024 and beyond. Where are the weak points and how can Anthopoulos and Snitker fix them?

For a second straight season the Braves lose to the Phillies in the NLDS. Their historic offense was completely silent and questions remain as to why. I attempt to diagnose the long history of dominant regular season success and playoff underperformance.

After dropping game one, the Braves bounce back with a huge comeback win capped off by a clutch Austin Riley homer and a historic game-ending double play. Now the series turns to Philadelphia while Snitker still mulls who will pitch game three.

Ronald Acuna has a season for the ages. Matt Olson and Spencer Strider set franchise records. The offense set an all-time home run record and is the first team to ever have a slugging percentage over .500. It has been a remarkable regular season to be celebrate. But the real season is about to begin, and a championship is the ultimate goal.

Acuna dazzles, becoming the first and only member of the 40/70 club. Olson sets another Braves single season record. And the Braves clinch the best record in baseball. Now, they set their sights on the postseason.

The Braves bounce back with 2 straight wins against the Nationals and Ronald Acuna makes history in the process, standing alone as the sole member of the 40/60 club. However, Max Fried and Charlie Morton go down in consecutive days with finger injuries. Should we be worried?

After celebrating clinching the NL East against the Phillies, the Braves experience one of their worst series of the year. Injuries to Acuna and Rosario remind us the importance of staying healthy down the stretch while the bullpen's recent perform may be reason for concern.

The Braves take 3 of 4 games from the Phillies to secure their 6th straight NL East title. While this is just the the first step towards a championship, it is still a huge accomplishment worth celebrating. So many guys have played a major part in the team's dominance, but especially two guys. Acuna is on the verge of a 40/70 season and with one more homer, Matt Olson will set a Braves record. So as the Braves approach the playoffs how with Snitker manage the team the rest of the way?

Even though the series against the Cardinals and Pirates had their bad moments, Ronald Acuna's game remained on point, reminding us once again that he is the most talented player in National League. And just before the Braves travel to Philly to potentially clinch the NL East for a sixth straight year, they took an evening to honor Andruw Jones by retiring his number. A well deserved honor for an awesome Brave and the greatest defensive outfielder of all-time.

After a great west coast road trip, the Braves have a bad few days at home. Not only do they lose two to the Cardinals, but they lose Michael Soroka for the season and they experience another flat start from Spencer Strider. Thankfully it appears Soroka avoided a major injury, but it still marks the end to a difficult comeback season for him. In some positive news, Matt Olson is hitting bombs again.

In a showdown in L.A. against a hot Dodgers team, the Braves win 3 of 4 games, Ronald Acuna Jr. shows why he is the MVP, and Max Fried returns to ace form. The Braves are now in the drivers seat for best record in the N.L. as the stretch run begins.

After sweeping the Rockies, the heavyweight clash between the Braves and Dodgers begins. The Dodgers are red hot and Mookie Betts is crushing the ball, but the Braves have the more balanced lineup and a better rotation. Let the battle for best record begin.

The Braves pitchers have shoved lately, as Spencer Strider is the latest to throw a gem. Meanwhile, Marcell Ozuna has totally resurrected his Braves' career this season. I'll give you my take on how I feel about it. And even though the Braves still need to clinch the NL East, most of their attention is likely on claiming the NL's best record. What are the benefits to the best record?

Braves starters have bounced back in a big way, especially in the last four games against the Yankees and Giants. With Fried back and Strider dominating, Morton and Elder's importance can't be overstated enough. Meanwhile, the Braves' offense keeps rolling. It's depth and athleticism is in sharp contrast to the struggling Yankees. Finally, with Ozzie in the shelf for a few days, Vaughn Grissom was called up but isn't playing. What's with that?

The Braves finally get some good pitching as they take on the hapless Mets in New York. Nicky Lopez has quite a Braves debut, while Allan Winans has an awesome 2nd career start. Meanwhile, Matt Olson continues his remarkable season and the Braves big four get national attention for their historic excellence.

After the incredibly impressive return of Max Fried, the other four starters for the Braves have thrown four consecutive bad starts. Was it a mistake not to get a starter at the trade deadline? How does the Braves rotation stack up compared to other playoff contenders? One thing we know for sure, our offense is still crazy good.

Alex Anthopolous didn't make any huge splashes during the trade deadline, but his few minor moves still made the club better. Would the cost for a starter been worth it? As the calendar turns to August the Braves continue to show their power and welcome the return of Max Fried. In the Angels' series Michael Harris II shows why he is still on of the most talented, exciting players to watch. Ronald Acuna continues to make his MVP cast while Matt Olson and Austin Riley continue to hit bombs.

After dropping two games to the Red Sox, the Braves bounce back against the Brewers by sweeping them with an offensive onslaught. Marcel Ozuna snaps a cold streak in a big way with four homers, Austin Riley continues his torrid late-July resurgence, and Matt Olson just keeps mashing. Despite the offensive production, the Braves approach the trade deadline with clear needs on the pitching staff, especially in the bullpen. We discuss what they might do as we are only two days from the deadline. Oh, and we welcome Otani and the Angels to Atlanta next.

While taking 2 of 3 from the Brewers, the Braves also make several changes to their active roster by acquiring three different pitchers and calling up another from the farm. Meanwhile, let's not forget to celebrate the enshrinement of Fred McGriff into Cooperstown and the many contributions he made as a Brave in the mid-90s. Congrats Crime Dog!