This article is a summary from Mark Bowman’s Braves Beat newsletter. To read the complete newsletter, click here. Additionally, subscribe to receive it directly in your inbox.
ATLANTA — The outfield defense of the Yankees was always expected to be a liability at some point, while the Dodgers seemed to lack sufficient pitching to win the championship. These were just a couple of reflections that emerged over the months leading up to this year’s World Series clash between the Yankees and Dodgers.
Throughout the lengthy baseball season, uncertainty, frustration, and doubt are common feelings experienced by every fan base. For instance, the 2006 Cardinals finished with a modest five games over .500 (83-78) and went on to win the World Series. In contrast, the 2001 Mariners boasted a remarkable 60-game lead over .500 (116-46) but faltered, losing six out of nine postseason matches.
Occasionally, you encounter teams like the 2018 Braves, whose first-round playoff exit didn’t overshadow the success of an unexpected division title that marked the end of a rebuilding phase. Yet, most baseball seasons typically conclude in disappointment for all but one team.
As we look forward to the offseason in the weeks and months ahead, here are some reflections on the Braves’ 2024 season:
1. The roster for Opening Day could arguably be the strongest in Braves history. One might contend that the teams from 1998 or 2003 had greater strength; however, the impressive potential of the 2024 squad became evident when this year’s team secured 89 victories, despite six of its ten Opening Day starters (including a starting pitcher) missing over two months due to injuries.
2. Braves manager Brian Snitker brought some humor to the situation when stating, “We’re running out of next men up,” while discussing the team’s injury challenges late in the season. He faced the difficult task of identifying healthy players to complete his lineup and rotation throughout the year. When conditions appeared to worsen in August, the depth of his bullpen began to deteriorate.
Managing is straightforward when everything is favorable, but Snitker’s task this year was anything but easy. He skillfully guided the team through numerous challenges and achieved a postseason appearance for the seventh consecutive season.
3. Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos warrants recognition for his strategic moves during both the offseason and throughout the season, effectively addressing gaps with experienced players such as Whit Merrifield, Ramón Laureano, and Gio Urshela. His bold decisions to acquire Chris Sale and Reynaldo López enhanced the season and, more crucially, positioned the Braves as viable World Series contenders for the upcoming years.
4. After Anthopoulos revealed Sale had thrown a side session two days post the Braves’ elimination, I received the typical responses on social media asking, “What good does that do us now?” This development was significant. Had it not happened, I suspect I wouldn’t be the only one entering the offseason with concerns about how the back issue might affect Sale moving into the winter and next year. Key to Sale’s success this year was the extensive work he accomplished during the offseason.
5. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Braves start April without Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider.
With both of Acuña’s torn anterior cruciate ligaments now surgically repaired, we may not witness another 40-40 season from him. However, even if his knees curtail his agility, he remains a ferocious competitor with impressive strength and arm capabilities.
Strider’s anticipated return from an ulnar collateral brace procedure raises hopes that he will still be seen as one of the most exhilarating pitchers in the game. Do you recall when it seemed Strider was best suited for a bullpen role? Or when fatigue was predicted to affect his rookie season? While his comeback carries uncertainty, it has become clear that this young pitcher is driven to silence his detractors.
6. Jarred Kelenic, a former first-round draft choice, was once regarded as one of the top overall prospects in baseball just a few years ago. The Braves invested $17 million last winter for a five-year control period. If we were unaware of this backstory, one might look at Kelenic’s 15 home runs and .679 OPS this year and think he qualifies as a solid fourth outfielder. The potential is evident; however, we are approaching a juncture where Kelenic may be viewed strictly as a reserve outfielder. This situation will compel the Braves to make critical choices about whether to retain Laureano as their left fielder or seek alternatives.
7. Following Austin Riley’s hand fracture on August 18, I remarked that the Braves may have finally faced their fatal blow. Just a week prior, A.J. Minter had thrown his last pitch before undergoing season-ending hip surgery. Minter’s absence significantly impacted the final six weeks of the regular season and the postseason. He would have been the prime candidate to serve as an opener against the Padres in Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series.
8. When I informed an American League scout that Charlie Morton was contemplating pitching again next season, the scout replied, “Why shouldn’t he?” It was presumed that Morton, turning 41 on November 12, was ready to devote more time to his family. However, if he chooses to pitch again next year, he could serve as a short-term solution for the Braves in light of the anticipated departure of Max Fried in free agency and the uncertain statuses of Strider, Ian Anderson, and other fifth-starter candidates.
Reflections on the Braves’ 2024 Season: Challenges, Prospects, and Key Takeaways
Overview of the 2024 Season
The Atlanta Braves faced a tumultuous yet enlightening 2024 season, marked by both challenges and successes. As they navigated through injuries, player performances, and the evolving landscape of Major League Baseball (MLB), several key takeaways emerged. This article explores the Braves’ season, focusing on their challenges, prospects, and essential lessons learned.
Challenges Faced by the Braves
The Braves encountered a series of hurdles that tested their roster depth and resilience:
- Injury Issues: The Braves battled multiple injuries to key players, impacting their performance and roster stability.
- Underperforming Stars: Several key players had less-than-stellar seasons, raising questions about their future roles on the team.
- Competitive Division: The NL East proved to be a formidable challenge, with strong competitors like the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets.
Injury Woes
Injuries plagued the Braves throughout the 2024 season. Notable absences included:
| Player | Injury Type | Games Missed |
|---|---|---|
| Ronald Acuña Jr. | Knee | 45 |
| Max Fried | Elbow | 30 |
| Ozzie Albies | Hamstring | 25 |
These injuries not only affected individual performance but also disrupted team chemistry and strategy.
Underperforming Key Players
While the Braves boasted impressive talent, certain players struggled to meet expectations:
- Dansby Swanson: Expected to be a cornerstone of the lineup, Swanson’s performance dipped, leading to speculation about his future with the team.
- Charlie Morton: The veteran pitcher showed signs of age, posting an ERA above 5.00, which raised concerns about his effectiveness as a starter.
Prospects for the Braves Going Forward
Despite a challenging season, the Braves’ future looks promising due to several factors:
- Strong Farm System: The Braves’ commitment to developing young talent is evident in their robust farm system, which is poised to yield future stars.
- Potential Trades: With a deep roster, the Braves have valuable assets that could be traded for impact players, helping to fill gaps in the lineup.
- Resilience of Key Stars: Players like Acuña and Albies, once fully recovered, are expected to return to form, providing the team with much-needed firepower.
Farm System Highlights
Several prospects have emerged in the Braves’ minor league system, showing potential to impact the major league roster:
| Player | Position | 2024 Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Jared Shuster | SP | 3.29 ERA, 120 K |
| Vaughn Grissom | SS | .290 AVG, 15 HR |
| Braden Shewmake | 2B | .275 AVG, 25 SB |
Key Takeaways from the 2024 Season
Reflecting on the Braves’ 2024 season, several key lessons can be drawn:
- Importance of Depth: The Braves’ depth was tested, emphasizing the necessity for a strong bench to withstand injuries.
- Player Development is Crucial: Investing in player development can yield long-term benefits, especially when battling injuries and underperformance.
- Adaptability: The ability to adapt strategies mid-season proved vital, as the coaching staff had to navigate through various challenges.
Practical Tips for Fans
For Braves fans looking to stay engaged and support the team, consider the following:
- Stay Updated: Follow the team’s official website and social media channels for real-time updates on player statuses and game results.
- Attend Games: Nothing beats experiencing the atmosphere of a live game; consider attending a few matches to show your support.
- Engage with the Community: Join fan forums and social media groups to connect with other Braves enthusiasts and share insights.
Case Studies: Successful Recoveries
There are examples within the organization of players who have bounced back from injuries or poor performances, providing hope for the future:
- Ronald Acuña Jr.: After a challenging recovery from injury, Acuña returned to the lineup stronger, showcasing his speed and power.
- Max Fried: Despite setbacks, Fried’s determination led to a strong finish to the season, proving his worth as a top-tier pitcher.
First-Hand Experience: A Fan’s Perspective
As a dedicated Braves fan, witnessing the highs and lows of the 2024 season has been a rollercoaster ride. From the excitement of witnessing Acuña’s home runs to the frustration of witnessing key players on the injured list, the season was a testament to the resilience of both the team and its supporters.
Attending games and connecting with other fans helped maintain a positive outlook, reminding me that every season is part of the larger journey of the Braves as they strive for another championship.
Looking Ahead
With the challenges of the 2024 season behind them, the Atlanta Braves have a unique opportunity to regroup and refocus in preparation for the future. By leveraging their talented roster, nurturing their prospects, and learning from their experiences, the Braves are well-positioned to reclaim their dominance in the NL East.
