Spring Training is wrapping up, and it’s go-time for the Atlanta Braves 2025 MLB season. But before we flip the page to Opening Day, let’s pause for a minute and talk about what we just witnessed in the Grapefruit League.
While yes, Spring Training is technically the preseason—and sure, you take some of the numbers with a grain of salt—some performances down in Florida deserve more than a polite golf clap.
Chris Sale Looks Like The Cy Young Winner He Is
Let’s start with the man who looked like he hadn’t missed a beat since his Cy Young Award-winning performance last season, Chris Sale. A 2.79 ERA. A 0.88 WHIP. Opponents are hitting a buck-seventy-six off him. He looked smooth, efficient, and, most importantly—healthy.
This guy appears ready to lead Atlanta’s rotation into a nightmare for the rest of the National League. He wasn’t just throwing, he was carving. He’s humble, too, saying Spencer Strider is still the best pitcher on the team.
Ozuna’s Power is Back and Booming
Marcell Ozuna showed up to camp like a wrecking ball. Do you remember how he cooled off at the end of last season? Yeah, that’s in the rearview. In 47 plate appearances this spring, Ozuna was raking.
A .595 slugging percentage and six of his 11 hits going for extra bases? That’s the kind of power the Braves will lean on, especially with the heart of the order looking reloaded and ready to mash. He was the team’s most consistent hitter last year, and if this spring is any indication, he’s locked in again.
Baldwin Looks Ready to Become a Braves Starter
Drake Baldwin stepped into major league camp as the Braves top prospect and showed everyone why he owns that title. This young man was fully prepared to show the coaching staff and front office what he can do. He hit .286, posted a .400 OBP, and struck out only four times in 50 plate appearances. That’s elite-level plate discipline for a rookie.
Baldwin stepped in behind the plate when Sean Murphy went down like he’s been calling games for years. The staff looked comfortable throwing to him, and that’s no small thing. Chris Sale couldn’t have had better things to say about him. That is a huge confidence booster for the kid coming from someone like Sale. If you’re looking for the next breakout rookie, circle Baldwin’s name in bold.
Allen’s Push Into the Braves Depth Chart
And every spring has a surprise—it was Nick Allen this year. He signed for depth, maybe to fill a bench role. Allen came in swinging and made it impossible for the coaching staff to ignore him. He hit .391 with a .900 OPS. That’s not just solid—that’s starter-level stuff.
While Orlando Arcia still has the job, you can bet Brian Snitker and the company are watching. Because if Arcia doesn’t get it going? Allen’s knocking, but he’s not knocking softly.
So yes, Spring Training doesn’t count in the standings—but it absolutely matters. And if these four guys keep doing what they just did in March? Atlanta’s not just going to be good in 2025—they’re going to be dangerous.
