The Atlanta Braves enter the 2024 MLB season with high expectations after another dominant year in 2023, where they captured the NL East crown, finished with 104 wins, and came just a few games short of securing a World Series berth. However, despite their many strengths, there are a few worrying truths about the Braves that should give their fans pause heading into the new season. While it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a star-studded lineup and strong pitching staff, some key issues lurk beneath the surface, threatening to derail their championship aspirations in 2024.
### 1. **Pitching Depth Could Be a Concern**
Arguably the Braves’ biggest strength over the last few years has been their pitching staff, led by the ace-level performances of Max Fried and Spencer Strider. However, entering 2024, there are several reasons to be concerned about the team’s pitching depth.
– **Max Fried’s Health**: Fried is an ace, but his injury history is starting to raise some eyebrows. In 2023, Fried missed significant time due to a strained forearm, and while he finished the season strong, there are lingering questions about whether his durability will hold up in 2024. If Fried goes down for an extended period or is forced to pitch through injury again, the Braves will face a major hole in their rotation.
– **Spencer Strider’s Consistency**: Strider emerged as one of the most dominant strikeout pitchers in the league in 2023, but his command has been an issue. His walk rate was higher than the Braves would like, and while his raw stuff is elite, Strider’s ability to control his pitches will be key to his continued success. If he struggles with command, it could lead to more high-leverage situations and expose an otherwise talented but inexperienced rotation.
– **Concerns about the Fifth Spot**: The Braves have young talent like Bryce Elder and AJ Smith-Shawver, but both still lack the experience and consistency to provide reliable depth in the rotation. Elder had a solid 2023 but showed significant regression toward the end of the season. Smith-Shawver is a top prospect with high upside but is still a bit unproven at the major league level. If the Braves face injuries or underperformance in their starting staff, they could find themselves scrambling for answers.
– **Bullpen Depth**: The bullpen, while strong in 2023 with standout performances from Raisel Iglesias and others, could also face volatility. Iglesias struggled at times and had a less-than-ideal post-season performance, and there are questions about the health of other key relievers. If the bullpen isn’t consistently dominant, it could put added pressure on the starting rotation, especially if the Braves can’t find reliable arms to step up in high-leverage situations.
### 2. **Defensive Fragility**
While the Braves are known for their offensive firepower, they have not been as consistent defensively. And in a game where every run counts—especially in the postseason—defensive lapses can become a critical issue.
– **Question Marks in the Outfield**: The outfield defense, especially with left field and center field, poses a bit of a question mark. While Ronald Acuña Jr. is an elite defender in right field, center field and left field are not as secure. Michael Harris II is a fantastic defensive player, but there are still moments of inconsistency with his bat, and whether he can maintain his elite defensive metrics over a full season remains to be seen. Left field remains a rotating door with players like Eddie Rosario and Marcell Ozuna, neither of whom is particularly known for their glove work. If the Braves face injuries or defensive struggles in the outfield, it could cost them valuable runs.
– **Infield Issues**: The Braves’ infield, while solid offensively, also has its own set of defensive concerns. Austin Riley at third base is generally reliable, but he has shown occasional lapses, especially in high-pressure situations. Ozzie Albies, a Gold Glove-caliber second baseman, has been prone to mistakes at times, especially with routine plays. And while Orlando Arcia stepped in admirably as the shortstop when Dansby Swanson left for Chicago, Arcia’s defense isn’t perfect, and any inconsistency could be magnified in tight games.
– **Aging Players and Defensive Decline**: As players like Charlie Morton and Marcell Ozuna continue to age, there is always the possibility that they may begin to show noticeable declines in both their defensive and offensive production. If Morton starts losing velocity or his command becomes less effective, the Braves’ rotation could face deeper issues. Similarly, Ozuna’s lack of defensive versatility and his diminishing offensive numbers could make him more of a liability as the season wears on.
### 3. **Over-Reliance on Offense**
The Braves’ offense is undoubtedly one of the most potent in all of baseball, with superstar talents like Ronald Acuña Jr., Austin Riley, and Matt Olson anchoring a lineup that features power hitters and run producers at nearly every position. However, there is a danger in becoming too reliant on a high-powered offense, especially in the postseason.
– **Inconsistent Postseason Performances**: Historically, the Braves’ offense has sometimes faltered in high-leverage playoff situations. While the Braves were able to win the 2021 World Series, they had stretches where their offense went cold, especially in the postseason, despite their regular-season success. The team’s reliance on power over small-ball tactics can make them vulnerable to pitching staffs that can neutralize their best hitters. In 2023, their offense was inconsistent against the Philadelphia Phillies in the NLDS, despite having one of the most explosive lineups in the league.
– **Injury Risks**: Players like Acuña and Riley, while incredibly talented, are not immune to injury. Acuña has had a history of knee problems, and while he played a full season in 2023, the Braves cannot afford to lose him for an extended period. Riley, a cornerstone of the offense, has been relatively injury-free but is still susceptible to hand, wrist, or shoulder issues, which can significantly impact his swing.
– **Pressure on the Young Stars**: The Braves are a team built on young talent, but the pressure to deliver every season is immense. Young players like Michael Harris II, Vaughn Grissom, and even rookie phenom Spencer Strider will need to maintain their excellent play under high expectations. If any of these players experience a sophomore slump or struggle with injuries, it could put more pressure on the established stars like Acuña and Olson to carry the team.
### Conclusion
While the Braves are certainly one of the most talented teams in baseball heading into 2024, there are several worrying truths that could derail their championship hopes. The health and consistency of their pitching staff, defensive lapses, and over-reliance on their offense should be on the radar for fans. The potential volatility in these areas could make for a nerve-wracking season, and if things don’t fall into place, the Braves could find themselves facing a more competitive NL East or an early postseason exit. For all their strengths, 2024 will be a year that tests the depth and resilience of this championship
contender.
