The 2025 Atlanta Braves started off their season in a most unexpected way. They tripped out of the gate, opening up with an abysmal 0-7 record. Fans and analysts alike were shocked at the team’s terrible start and surprising string of losses. That was confounding considering their extremely bullish 95.6-win projection for the full 162-game campaign off of that season-opening over/under number. Despite their rough start, statistical indicators from recent games suggest that the Braves may still have the potential to recover and achieve a respectable win total by season’s end.
The flip side of that bad luck was the Braves’ offense being almost unrecognizable in their first few series. In the other four, they either got shut out or scored only one run. The team even managed to run off a stretch of scoring an average of only two runs a game, with a horrid .151 batting average over this stretch. Recent strong performances indicate there may be a change in fortunes. Young catcher Drake Baldwin and veteran Eli White are making huge impacts that really leap off the page.
Promising Performances Amid Struggles
Drake Baldwin, making waves since April 3, has recorded a remarkable OPS of 1.009, showcasing his potential as a key player for the Braves moving forward. Replacement outfielder Eli White has been super valuable at 1.012 OPS at 30 years old. While the team has struggled out of the gate, these numbers are reflective of tangible bright spots in the lineup.
For context, in July, the Braves went on perhaps their best stretch of the season — a 14-9 record. Based on their run differential, they were playing like a 94-win team on a full season pace. Just like your favorite baseball team, this is one thing the T4America team is hoping to be wrong about! They only have to keep it up and follow through these encouraging results.
The toll of those injuries on the morale of a young team is hard to underestimate. The loss of Ronald Acuña Jr. can’t be overstated, as he’s the straw that stirs the drink for the Braves’ offense. Ace right-hander Spencer Strider is rehabbing a Grade 1 hamstring strain. Either way, he’s likely to be back by late this month. His return to the rotation was important for solidifying the pitching staff. With veteran Chris Sale struggling for much of the season, Spencer Schwellenbach has emerged as the only starter who’s been at or above league average.
Challenges Ahead for the Braves
Looking ahead, the Braves are facing an uphill challenge. In the midst of all this, they’ll face strong competition from the likes of the Washington Nationals and San Diego Padres. A pivotal three-game set on the road against the Philadelphia Phillies will be crucial for determining their trajectory as they attempt to claw back into contention.
Either way, the next few weeks are vital for Atlanta with Acuña and Strider returning very much in the balance. The performance of the team during this period will likely dictate whether they can reach their goal of 90 or 91 wins by season’s end. When they emerge from this diabolical stretch, they clearly need to play to their strengths and shore up their shortcomings.
The Road to Redemption
Though they’ve had a tumultuous beginning, there are many reasons to believe the Braves have what it takes to bounce back. Their proving grounds have been very encouraging lately. If they can keep up this momentum, they might be able to end the season on a positive note. The team is still very much a major threat to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ stranglehold on the second best record in the National League. They need to defeat their early-season demons.
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