#10
The Atlanta Braves have been one of the most consistently strong teams of the last 5 seasons. With the spending and success of the rest of their division, can they continue to stay at their elite level?
#12 - 3rd in NL East, WILD CARD, lose in Wild Card Round
MIH - Matt Olson
MIP - Kenley Jansen
PTW - Spencer Strider
2022 Results
#6 - 101-61, 1st in NL East, lost in NLDS
Highest WAR (Position) - Austin Riley
Highest WAR (Pitcher) - Max Fried
I always underestimate the Braves. They followed up their World Series in 2021 with a 100 win season and another trip to the playoffs. This time, they lost in the NLDS to division rival Philadelphia Phillies who ended up in the World Series themselves. The biggest storyline for the Braves in 2022 was the success of the two best rookies in the NL last year: Spencer Strider and ROY winner Michael Harris II. It was not a bad World Series follow-up for the Braves.
Additions / Subtractions
The Braves offseason was defined by one significant addition and one significant subtraction. For the second straight offseason, the Braves made a blockbuster trade with the Oakland A's for one of their superstars. Last year, it was Matt Olson. This year, it was catcher Sean Murphy. Among the pieces leaving Atlanta in that trade were All Star catcher William Contreras going to Milwaukee. Murphy was added, but leaving Atlanta is their budding superstar shortstop Dansby Swanson who signed a free agent contract with the Cubs. There will also be a new closer in Atlanta with Kenley Jansen signing with the Red Sox.
Most Important Hitter
Vaughn Grissom
Another fun surprise for the Braves in 2022 was the flashes they saw from infielder Vaughn Grissom. In just his age 21 season, Grissom had a 121 OPS+ in 41 games, hitting .291 with 5 home runs. It was an inconsistent debut season for Grissom, but he definitely showed flashes of greatness. The Braves felt comfortable enough with what they saw from Grissom in 2022 that they decided not to replace Dansby Swanson at shortstop and hand the job to the youngster. As was shown last year, young players can be inconsistent, and the Braves are anticipating some of that by starting Grissom in AAA this year and handing shortstop over to veteran Orlando Arcia on Opening Day. However, everyone knows this job is Grissom's, and his success in 2023 will determine a lot of the success in Atlanta in 2023.
Most Important Pitcher
Spencer Strider
If you know anything about the Braves throughout the last 35 years or so, you know they will always have a lot of young pitching ready to produce at the big league level. Spencer Strider became the latest in that line of pitchers. In just 131 innings in 2022, Strider struck out 202 batters, had a 2.67 ERA with a 152 ERA+. He announced his presence as a flamethrower. At the same time, he also had some injuries hold him back. Young arms tend to get hurt; just ask the Braves. Kyle Wright is starting the year on the IL. Ian Anderson is starting the season in AAA after losing his effectiveness. Michael Soroka was in the same position as Strider a few seasons ago, and he has started 3 games in the last 3 seasons. If the Braves are going to continue their success in 2023, Strider needs to be healthy and dominant.
Prospect to Watch
Jared Shuster
The Braves have an elite young core and have made some blockbuster trades the last few seasons. Those two things lead to a depleted farm system. Ranked the worst farm system in the big leagues, the Braves don't have a single prospect in the Top 100 Prospects list. However, that doesn't mean they don't have some prospects that will impact the big club this season. In fact, their top prospect, Jared Shuster, made the Opening Day starting rotation. The 24 year old lefty doesn't have the elite velocity, but he knows how to pitch, control the zone, and be effective. Like I said about Braves young pitchers, they always find a way to be successful.
2023 Prediction
3rd in NL East, WILD CARD, lose in Wild Card Series
I always underestimate the Braves. I did it last year, and I might be doing it again this year. However, you don't just lose someone like Dansby Swanson and not feel some negative effects. Your young pitchers can get hurt. You don't have an established closer in your bullpen. There are just too many questions surrounding the Braves to realistically put them much higher. With that said, any team in this top 10 could easily end up winning the World Series.
Fearless Prediction
The Braves will have at least three starters in this year's All Star Game.
There might be questions on this Braves roster, but they still have a lot elite talent. If the Braves have a strong start to this season, look for them to be rewarded at the All Star Game. Ronald Acuna Jr., Sean Murphy, Austin Riley, Ozzie Albies, Matt Olson, Marcell Ozuna, Michael Harris II, and even Max Fried could all realistically end up in that starting lineup in Seattle come July.
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