WILL THE ATLANTA BRAVES WIN THE EAST?

The Braves are much better, with a bright future that stretches into 2028, the Mets have signed key free agent veterans, the Phillies have bulked up, and the Marlins will clearly have one of the better bullpens. The only team not in this race….The Washington Nationals.

STARTING PITCHING: Dub’s and K’s for Days

Braves – The Braves Have a strong starting 4, with the 5th starting pitcher more than likely to be decided in Spring Training. The Final 5th spot will be secured by Mike Soroka, Ian Anderson or Bryce Elder. Mike Sokora has the upper hand if he is healthy according to Jake Matroianni of the Locked on Braves podcast.

The New York Mets are the crowned Kings of the East. The Braves will have something to say about that. I am sure with this pitching staff the Braves will be in the mix as they were last season. Max Fried Headlines a great starting pitching staff. If you notice the Top 4 are all slateted to record a 2.4 wAR or higher. The most striking numbers are the low walk rates to go with very solid K’s per 9.

To compete with the aging Mets rotation I think Spender Strider simply needs to replicate what he did last year. Another point of emphasis will be if Kyle Wright and Max Fried. If they could get thier K/9 into the 9.5 to 11.0. This Range that would more than likely be a recipe for success. Mike Soroka back in 2019 he threw 174.2 IP. If he can remain healthy and at least reach 130-140 the Braves might be looking at the BEST starting 5. The Braves have age on thier side, but health is a concern or the 5th starter.

The Hitters: Hot-lanta Crush

The Braves offense if very good, powerful, and they have speed. The new rules will surely send the Braves running from base to base. Clearly making them a threat even when a single squeeks through the infield. In 2023, the Braves ranked 1st in Home Runs (243) and 2nd in wOBA .330. Other key metrics had them 4th in Wrc+ 111, 4th in Stolen Bases 87, 5th in OBP .317.

They will miss Dansby Swanson at the plate in 2023. Hehit 25 HR and 96 RBI in 2022, as well produced a 6.4 WAR. The Braves did add Sean Murphy, who should add both a strong bat and defender. Also they will have the first full season with Ronald Acuna Jr. in the last couple seasons. Austin Riley is a power bat that can hit the long ball with the second highest WAR offensively. The others like Ozzie Albies, Michael Harris II, and Vaughn Grissom will be a tough lineup to handle.

The Bullpen

The Braves Bullpen in 2022 was very good. They ranked 2nd overall and for the last two seasons, either ahead or behind the Los Angeles Dodgers. They had the 3rd highest K/Per9 10.17. Ranked 1st in saves, they were also ranked in the Top 10 for 7th lowest BABIP .276. The Braves had the 2nd highest WAR (tied with Houston) 7.6,. To top it off they had an 8% HR/FB which was good enough for 4th lowest.

Kenley Jansen had a resurgnet year on the mound. He has appearded to re-discovered the edge he once had as a Los Angeles Dodger. He recorded 41 saves in 2023, a total he last achieved in 2017. They had 8 relief pitchers log at least a 10.25 K/9 or higher in 2022. Thier Top 5 strikeout leaders recorded between 59-94 K’s on the season. They brought most everyone back and just like their starters the relief pitchers appear to be a strength as well.

Braves, My Way Too Early Pick to Win the National League

When you put everything together, Brian Snitker the skipper of this N.L. East beast is poised to come out on top despite thier division rivals beefing up thier pitching and offense. The Braves are my pick to win the N.L. East and make it back to thier 2nd World Series in 3 seasons. What the Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos has done with locking up this team is enxt level genius. The Braves know these men will be there to battle the next 5 years. They have masterfully put together one of the smartest lineups in all of baseball. Althought he National League is a guanltant. I think they are one of the Top 3 teams to make it to the Fall Classic in 2023.

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