### Underachieving Atlanta Braves Players of 2024
The Atlanta Braves entered the 2024 season with high hopes and expectations, bolstered by a talented roster and a strong 2023 campaign. However, several key players failed to meet those expectations, leaving fans frustrated and questioning their performance. Here’s a look at four Braves players who underachieved the most this season.
#### 1. **Ronald Acuña Jr.**
Ronald Acuña Jr. has been a cornerstone of the Braves’ success since his arrival, known for his explosive power and speed. However, in 2024, Acuña struggled to find consistency at the plate. Despite a promising start, he experienced prolonged slumps that affected his overall statistics. His on-base percentage dipped significantly, and his power numbers, including home runs and slugging percentage, fell below career averages.
Defensively, Acuña also faced criticism. While he’s known for his dynamic play in the outfield, he committed a number of errors and misjudged balls that led to runs for opposing teams. Fans expected him to be a key contributor in the postseason, but his performance left many disappointed, especially given his status as a franchise player.
#### 2. **Ozzie Albies**
Ozzie Albies, a fan favorite and a crucial part of the Braves’ infield, had a lackluster season in 2024. After a stellar 2023, expectations were high for him to continue his development as a top-tier second baseman. However, injuries hampered his season, limiting his playing time and impacting his rhythm at the plate.
When healthy, Albies struggled with his batting average, failing to find the gaps that had previously defined his game. He showed flashes of his power but lacked consistency, resulting in a disappointing offensive output. Moreover, his defensive play, which had been a strength, saw a decline in range and errors, leading to additional scrutiny from fans and analysts alike. His inability to be a reliable presence in the lineup was a significant letdown for a team that relied heavily on its core players.
#### 3. **Max Fried**
Max Fried was expected to be the ace of the Braves’ pitching staff in 2024, but his performance was far from what fans had hoped for. After emerging as a top pitcher in previous seasons, Fried faced challenges with command and consistency. His ERA ballooned due to an inability to keep runs off the board, and he often found himself in trouble early in games.
Fried struggled with his strikeout rate and allowed a concerning number of home runs. He seemed unable to locate his fastball effectively, leading to hitters capitalizing on mistakes. As the season progressed, the pressure mounted, and Fried failed to deliver in critical games, which was particularly disheartening for a team that needed its ace to lead by example.
#### 4. **Travis d’Arnaud**
Travis d’Arnaud, the veteran catcher, had a tumultuous 2024 season. While he has been a solid contributor in previous years, this season was marked by injuries and inconsistent performance. D’Arnaud struggled to stay healthy, missing significant time and limiting his impact on the lineup.
When he did play, his offensive numbers fell sharply, with a batting average well below his career norm. He struggled against both left and right-handed pitching, failing to provide the stability the Braves needed from the catching position. Defensively, while d’Arnaud is generally regarded as a capable catcher, he faced criticism for his game-calling and framing, contributing to a pitching staff that was already underperforming.
### Conclusion
The 2024 season has been a rollercoaster for the Atlanta Braves, filled with highs and lows. While the team has plenty of talent and potential, the underperformance of key players like Ronald Acuña Jr., Ozzie Albies, Max Fried, and Travis d’Arnaud raised serious questions about their future and the team’s ability to compete. Fans are left hoping that these players can bounce back in 2025 and help the Braves reclaim their spot among the league’s elite. Consistency, health, and a renewed focus will be essential for this talented group as they look to put a disappointing season behind them.