The Atlanta Braves have emerged as the best team in baseball, a remarkable turnaround from their disappointing 2024 season. After a year of struggle and injury, the Braves have rediscovered their winning ways, thanks to a combination of internal improvements and a unique team culture. This article explores the factors behind their resurgence, from the return of key players to the team's light-hearted approach to success.
The Return of Key Players
The Braves' success this season can be attributed to the resurgence of several key players. First baseman Matt Olson, who had a solid but unspectacular season in 2024, has been one of the best players in the National League this year. He leads all NL first basemen in FanGraphs' wins above replacement (2.5) and has an impressive .894 OPS. Second baseman Ozzie Albies, who struggled last year, has returned to form and is looking like the all-star-caliber hitter Atlanta has relied on for nearly a decade. Center fielder Michael Harris II, who won Rookie of the Year in 2022, has also rediscovered his form.
The Power of Continuity and Looseness
Olson points to something harder to measure than statistics to explain the turnaround: continuity, and the looseness that comes with it. The Braves have a lot of the same dudes, and they have a lot of fun in the locker room. This comfortability shows up as constant needling rather than the usual locker-room hierarchy. Olson describes the team as a group of top trash talkers, creating a good atmosphere and a sense of camaraderie.
The Braves' Strong Pitching and Bullpen
The Braves' strong pitching and bullpen have also played a significant role in their success. Southpaw Chris Sale is reminding us why, whenever he decides to call it quits, Cooperstown has a spot reserved for the perennial Cy Young candidate. Sale's 2.30 ERA in 13 starts is ranked fifth among all qualified major-league starters. The Braves' bullpen carries the best ERA (2.82) and WHIP (1.11) of any relief corps in the majors, anchored by Raisel Iglesias, Robert Suarez, Dylan Lee, Didier Fuentes, and Dylan Dodd.
Resilience and Adversity
The Braves' resilience over real adversity is worth noting. They have absorbed rotation and lineup injuries, a death-by-a-thousand-cuts type of attrition, and have continued winning regardless. The Braves' bullpen and lineup are deep enough to cover for it, and the team has a deliberate, unserious approach to success. This allows the steady stream of call-ups to step in without disruption, creating a cohesive and resilient team.
The Braves' Impressive Season
The Braves have built an impressive record this season, despite superstar Ronald Acuña Jr. requiring two separate stints on the injured list due to a nagging hamstring strain. They've excelled despite third baseman Austin Riley batting just .203 with an OPS+ of 80 in 71 games this season. The team has overcome real instability in the rotation, with several projected starters battling injuries for much of the year.
The Braves' Future and Sustainability
The Braves' success this season is remarkable, but it remains to be seen if they can sustain their pace into the postseason. The race for the best record in baseball is tight, and the team's ability to hold up without ace Spencer Strider, who was shut down with inflammation in his right elbow, will be a key factor. The Braves' organizational culture has noticeably shifted, and their internal improvements have been significant. This season looks like the simple, stubborn return of the team Atlanta was supposed to be all along.
