The Braves are 27 wins and 17 losses this season. It’s pretty much the same spot they were last year, but you wouldn’t know that if you asked Atlanta fans.
There’s been an incredible amount of pessimism surrounding the club this season, whether it’s the hot Phillies or the dead Braves lineup, and I understand that to some degree. The offense has been unwatchable for the past month or so, but I truly believe there’s nothing to worry about.
Have you ever looked at the back of Ronald Acuña, Matt Olson, or Austin Riley’s baseball cards? they will understand it. One of the greatest offenses of all time didn’t just forget how to hit.
Don’t be fooled, Bleacher Report lists the Brave’s sluggish offensive start as one of its early season trends.
When you look at the biggest offensive decline from 2023 to 2024 and see Atlanta in the No. 1 spot, two words will inevitably fall out of your mouth.
“Wait, what?”
Even if this isn’t exactly a new story at this point, it’s still a moving story. After all, this is the same offensive line that hit a record-tying 307 home runs and generally drove in runs for the 1927 Yankees last season. Or at least it should be.
From 30,000 feet, it’s not hard to find explanations for Atlanta’s offensive mediocrity. For example, the number of strikeouts has increased. The other thing is that there aren’t many strong hits.
But there was also some bad luck. Atlanta’s offense is notable for getting more barrels out than any other offense in the National League. There are some outrageous ones in there, including Austin Riley and Michael Harris II’s Bolt, who didn’t have to find any leather.
And speaking of Riley, there’s something off about seeing him, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Matt Olson drop from a combined .955 OPS in 2023 to just .705 in 2024. they will be better.Hey, they can. only Please be better.
Regardless of the bad luck that ultimately favors the Braves, Atlanta’s best players haven’t played like that thus far. I’m sure Olson, Acuña and Riley will figure that out, but it’s not unreasonable to worry about the bottom of the standings.
I’m a little more concerned about the struggles of Jared Kelenic, Orlando Arica, Michael Harris II, and Adam Duvall. Everyone should be a lot less confident that they’re doing their best, but baseball is a game of ups and downs. This too shall pass.
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Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
