ESPN recently did an article on each contending team, providing reasons why they will and will not raise the Commissioner’s Trophy at the end of October. They also grouped the teams into three tiers — favorites, have a chance to win it all, and just hoping to get in.
Unsurprisingly, the Braves were the first team listed under favorites, which wasn’t a coincidence.
Why they can win the World Series: You know why. Power and more power and a little more power after that. The Braves already have four players with at least 33 home runs, including Matt Olson with 48, and Ozzie Albies is one away from making it five. Two others also have at least 20, and that doesn’t even include Michael Harris II, who is hitting .291 (and .325 over his past 90 games after a very slow start). The rotation features the most dynamic starter of 2023 in Spencer Strider plus Max Fried, who is 7-1 with a 2.70 ERA in his 12 starts. Charlie Morton is still striking out 10 batters per nine innings, and Bryce Elder was an All-Star. The bullpen is fifth in the majors in win probability. It’s a team without any weaknesses. Oh, we just wrote all that and didn’t even mention Ronald Acuna Jr.
Why they won’t: October. Stuff happens.
Verdict: The Braves are everyone’s team to beat.
Whether it’s on this site or on our show (which can be found on the Fox 5 Local App), I’ve been adamant about this Atlanta Braves team for months now. They are the best team in baseball. The offense is the most powerful in MLB history. The rotation has taken some lumps, but with Max Fried looking like himself again, they can hold a candle to any in baseball. The same can be said for the bullpen. The club does have some concerns with their relief core, but so does every other team in the league.
The thing that scares me the most about what’s to come isn’t any particular team. The Braves have the best roster from top to bottom, and frankly, it isn’t even close. If they play their best, they should raise the trophy for the second time in three years.
What scares me the most is October itself. The randomness that is postseason baseball is enough to frighten the bravest of souls. It’s not built for the weak. Disappointment can strike at any moment and it can strike swiftly. The only guarantee is that the Braves will be in the NLDS. After that, records go out the window, and the magic of postseason baseball is left to decide.
—
Photo: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
You must log in to post a comment.