Three Actions the Atlanta Braves Need to Take to Win Their Fifth World Series
The Atlanta Braves are preparing for a thrilling Major League Baseball season in 2024 as they enter their 154th season of professional baseball. They’re primed to win the NL East and go on an important World Series run with a squad full with potential and talent. Let’s examine some of the final components that the Braves must acquire in order to contend with the Dodgers as the National League’s early favorites.
These Are the Steps the Atlanta Braves Should Take to Win Their Fifth World Series
Boost the rotation of the outstanding braves
Bold moves, particularly to bolster their pitching rotation, have been made by the Braves to boost their starting lineup. The team’s strong core is made up of Bryce Elder, Chris Sale, Charlie Morton, Max Fried, and Spencer Strider. The squad gains consistency and experience with the acquisition of seasoned veterans like Chris Sale, who has a strong playoff record, particularly in stressful situations.
The need for younger pitchers to step up during pivotal playoff games will be essential, even though Sale’s addition to the team solves a common problem that teams face late in the season—uncertainty surrounding players returning from injuries and Morton declining at 40 years old and averaging 2023 season. The first solution is a fifth starter for the rotation.
Put Morton in the fifth slot in the rotation rather than using him only in the fourth spot. AJ Smith-Shawve and Spencer Schwelland, the Braves’ two most anticipated prospects, should be brought up to create a three-headed fifth starter. Long reliever options should be added for their off-rotation starts.
It takes the rest of the league five or six starts to figure out a rookie starting pitcher in the age of advanced data and AI analytics. Consider the outstanding beginnings to the careers of Bobby Miller of the Dodgers and Bryce Miller of the Seattle Mariners. While strengthening the bullpen and prolonging Morton’s productivity and health, this three-headed pitching monster has the potential to produce a 20-win season because neither of the prospects Smith-Shawve nor Schwelland are. Gaining big-league experience for the Braves’ two best prospects without the extra pressure and superior offensive output to support them is an added plus.
This would be a reflection of the Braves management’s strategic thinking and dedication to building a squad that can win championships.
Take Out the Danger Using this Mega Free Agent, from the Philadelphia Phillies
The Braves could face a big battle from the Philadelphia Phillies, who have been a tough opponent in recent years. They were inconsequential during the regular season, but in game four of the playoffs, they overcame the Braves thanks to a late-season surge. In 2023, the Braves only needed a little bit more, which might involve moving Cody Bellinger to the LF position.
As we approach spring training, the Braves plan to platoon LF, with Jarred Kelenic, 24, serving as the primary player. While there are many reasons to be excited about Kelenic—the sixth-overall pick in 2018 might be a breakthrough prospect—he has struck out 299 times in 872 plate appearances.
While Cody Bellinger is currently the best free agent available, he may be able to negotiate a price below $200 million in the Braves market structure if he joins a team like the Braves, despite his high asking price.
The Braves are pursuing Bellinger mostly to avoid being in the Phillies lineup, even though he would be a fantastic addition to the team. Indeed, there is a genuine risk; according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Phillies might be a sleeper team in the Bellinger sweepstakes.
Bellinger would drastically improve the Braves lineup at their weakest position, preventing the Phillies from fielding a lineup worthy of the Hall of Fame while also bringing an MVP caliber bat and seasoned leadership with postseason experience to the locker room. The cost is steep, but the reward is greater.
During the Trade Deadline, Act Aggressively
Finally, the Braves need to be aggressive and make adjustments as the trade deadline draws near. The Braves’ previous postseason experiences have taught them several important things. They might not make any big signings in the summer, but as this year’s deadline approaches, they should actively chase impactful acquisitions.
Since Alex Anthopoulos, the team’s general manager, is renowned for making wise choices, it is likely that he would modify the team’s plan of action to make sure they have what it takes to win the championship.
Aspirations for the 2024 Season and the Fifth World Series are Real
The Braves have a good chance of making the playoffs thanks to their improved rotation and their dedication to midseason improvements. Although it won’t be an easy road to the championship, the Braves are a formidable contender because of their combination of talent and experience. Fans have every reason to be enthusiastic about Atlanta’s chances in 2024 for No. 5 if the Braves can add Bellinger, call up their two best pitching prospects, and be active at the deadline.
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