The Atlanta Braves are entering the 2024 season projected to be one of the best teams in baseball once again. The league’s best lineup returns with few changes in attempts to duplicate the success of last summer.

2023 Season In-Review

Record: 104-58

Postseason: Loss in NLDS (3-1) to Philadelphia Phillies

The 2023 Atlanta Braves tied the all-time record for home runs in a season with 307. There is no question that Atlanta ran out the best lineup in the league on a nightly basis but underwhelmed in the postseason once again. After a first-round bye, the Braves fell to the Phillies in the NLDS for the second consecutive season, losing three out of four.

There are high hopes for the Braves once again this season having won six consecutive NL East titles and logged two straight 100-win seasons.

2024 Season Preview

Key Losses: SS Vaughn Grissom, OF Eddie Rosario

Key Additions: LHP Chris Sale, RHP Reynaldo Lopez

The Braves did not see much change in its lineup this offseason. Of course, this is due to the front office plan of signing players at a young age to team-friendly deals. This has allowed the team to create the best lineup in the league.

It begins with reigning NL MVP Ronald Acuna. Matt Olson took another step last season at first base, batting .283 and remaining one of the best left-handed power bats around. Not to mention, he has played all 162 games in back-to-back years in Atlanta. Austin Riley and Marcell Ozuna are also featured in the top half of the lineup, which is a nightmare for pitchers.

Even after two consecutive 100-win seasons, the Braves are not satisfied because both years ended short of the NLCS. An aggressive front office made another big-time move to improve the team. Atlanta sent young shortstop Vaughn Grissom to Boston in exchange for veteran left-hander Chris Sale and cash. A rotation that already featured Spencer Strider and Max Fried at the top added a veteran who was among the elites in his prime. Sale has dealt with injuries over the last few years and is hoping for a fresh start in Atlanta.

Another player looking for a fresh start with the Braves is outfielder Jarred Kelenic. Once considered a top prospect with the New York Mets, Kelenic was sent to Seattle and struggled during his time in the majors. Over his first two years in the league, Kelenic batted .161 with 21 home runs and 60 RBI. He took a moonier step forward in 2023, appearing in 105 games and batting .253. In Atlanta, Kelenic is likely to take on an everyday role in the outfield and be placed near the bottom of an extremely deep lineup.

With all pieces finally in place for Atlanta, the team is hoping to make a deep postseason run after years of underperforming when it matters most. At the very least, the Braves should log another 100-win season with one of the league’s best lineups and what many believe could be one of the best rotations as well.

Potential Starting Lineup

1. Ronald Acuna, OF
2. Ozzie Albies, 2B
3. Austin Riley, 3B
4. Matt Olson, 1B
5. Marcell Ozuna, DH
6. Michael Harris, OF
7. Sean Murphy, C
8. Jarred Kelenic, OF
9. Orlando Arcia, SS

Potential Rotation

• Spencer Strider
• Max Fried
• Charlie Morton
• Chris Sale
• Bryce Elder

Final Record Prediction: 102-60