As this series continues it is worth defining what “success” is for these teams. It’s no secret that today’s team, the Braves, and the A’s for example don’t have the same measures of success. Teams that are rebuilding versus contending will be looked at differently and in Atlanta’s case, we are looking at areas where their almost assured success can be bolstered. They are coming off of another dominant regular season in 2023 but are looking to get over an extremely disappointing ending following a brutal series loss to the Phillies. Pitching depth became an issue in that series and they have tried to deal with that by bringing in lefty ace Chris Sale. Sale is joined as an incoming addition by former Mariners outfielder Jarred Kelenic. We’ll focus on them and the pen in our keys to success.

Keys To Success

1. Improved pitching depth: Due to injuries they picked up down the stretch last year, Atlanta arrived in the playoffs shorthanded in the pitching department. Veteran lefty Chris Sale should help remedy this as he joins the team after an injury plagued tenure with the Red Sox. If they can keep him healthy, Sale brings plenty of big game expertise that could make a big impact in the playoffs.

2. A Fresh Start for Kelenic: The other headline addition for Atlanta this winter is former Mariners outfielder Jarred Kelenic. The Braves are Kelenic’s third stop in his young career and they are hopeful he can become a fixture in their outfield following a mixed start to his time in “the show.” The lefty has plenty of pop in his bat and patrols the outfield well, potentially making this team even more dangerous at the plate.

3. A uneventful ninth inning: If there is one area on the roster that needs improving its the bullpen, particularly in the closers role. Raisel Iglesias will likely open the season as the closer and will try to lock down the job after a hit and miss season last year. If he can’t steady the ship, look for Atlanta to try fellow relievers Aaron Bummer and Reynaldo Lopez in the role, or acquire an outside option if they can’t deliver.

The Lineup

1. Ronald Acuna Jr. CF

2. Ozzie Albies 2B

3. Austin Riley 3B

4. Matt Olson 1B

5. Marcel Ozuna DH

6. Michael Harris RF

7. Sean Murphy C

8. Jarred Kelenic LF

9. Orlando Arcia SS

The Staff

1. Spencer Strider

2. Max Fried

3. Charlie Morton

4. Chris Sale

5. Bryce Elder

The Closer: Raisel Iglesias

The Prediction

100 Wins and the NL East Title

Not really breaking new ground here, but the Braves should be dominant in the National League once again as they their return stacked core. If their improved pitching depth can stay healthy, they will be even harder to beat in October, in what is another World Series or bust campaign.

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