Just when Atlanta Braves fans were starting to eye the panic button like it was the last biscuit at Waffle House, the team goes and gives them something to smile about—a full-on weekend sweep against the Minnesota Twins.
After a stretch of games that felt like a slow-motion train wreck, the Braves finally showed up with some fire in their bellies and, for a moment at least, reminded everyone what this team can be when the gears are all turning.
But before we start printing playoff tickets, let’s keep things in perspective. That sweep? It was their first of the season.
The Braves haven’t exactly been lighting the league on fire so far in 2025, and one dominant series doesn’t erase a rocky start—or the drama that’s still buzzing around the clubhouse like a gnat in July.
Drama in the Braves Dugout
Let’s start with the situation that had Braves fans raising eyebrows and analysts whispering about chemistry concerns: the Ronald Acuña Jr.–Brian Snitker–Jarred Kelenic triangle.
After Kelenic failed to run out a fly ball and Snitker gave a lukewarm response that many perceived as too lenient, Acuña raised concerns about double standards. Remember, Acuña’s been in the doghouse for less. The tension was palpable.
The thing is, Kelenic owned it. He went straight to Snitker, admitted fault, and even addressed the media to clear the air. For a guy new to the roster, that’s a gutsy, mature move.
Only time will tell whether it cools the fire or just fans the flames. But kudos to Kelenic for stepping up when it mattered.
A Financial Curveball in Atlanta
Off the field, the Braves have a problem that no other team in baseball does: taxes. Being the only publicly traded MLB franchise has its perks—transparency, shareholder capital, etc.—but it also comes with unique pain points.
A new tax rule targeting top salaries at public companies means Atlanta could be on the hook for $19 million—money that could’ve gone into free agency, extensions, or another bullpen arm.
If you were wondering why the Braves were quieter than usual last offseason, this looming financial cloud might be part of the reason. That $19 million hit is real money, and it’s a bill no one else in the league has to foot.
Alex Verdugo Steps Up
Now, let’s end on a high note, shall we? In comes Alex Verdugo, which is not exactly the name Braves fans were clamoring for, but boy, did he deliver.
With Jurickson Profar sidelined and the outfield thin, Verdugo slid right in and made noise immediately. Four hits on Saturday, grinding at-bats, working counts—he looked like a spark plug atop the lineup.
The Braves don’t need him to be an MVP; they just need reliability. And if this series is any indication, they may have found a sneaky-good addition at just the right time.
So yes, it was a great weekend. But the Braves’ story in 2025 is far from written. They still have internal tension, financial hurdles, and a division that won’t wait for them to figure it out.
But fans can breathe easy for now—at least until the next series.
