The Atlanta Braves’ 2024 season was a chapter most fans would rather skip in the franchise’s storied history. Plagued by injuries, the team never found its stride, as its Opening Day lineup was reduced to a memory by the season’s end. Six out of ten starters, including the pitcher, missed significant time, and that lineup only shared the field for a grand total of six innings all season.
In the season opener, Sean Murphy strained his oblique in the seventh inning, sidelining him for nearly two months. Ozzie Albies soon followed with toe and wrist fractures, while Michael Harris II strained his hamstring, absent for similar durations. These setbacks, though critical, paled in comparison to what came next.
The true heartbreak arrived with the loss of ace Spencer Strider, who was shut down after just one start, and the devastating news of Ronald Acuña Jr.’s ACL tear in late May. By August, Austin Riley had joined the injured list, effectively ending his season.
Pitching woes mounted as A.J. Minter, Reynaldo López, Pierce Johnson, and even veteran Max Fried dealt with injuries. Their stints were shorter though. Despite the adversity, the Braves still managed to claw their way into the playoffs.
FanGraph Sees The Braves Talent
With 2024 in the rearview mirror, the Braves’ sights are set firmly on redemption in 2025. The mission remains unchanged: World Series or bust. FanGraphs seems to agree, ranking the Braves atop their offseason power rankings. Despite losing Fried and Charlie Morton to free agency and facing an uncertain timeline for the returns of Acuña and Strider, the Braves’ roster is still considered one of the most formidable in baseball.
According to FanGraphs, Atlanta’s ability to weather the 2024 storm speaks volumes. Even though the Dodgers—fresh off a World Series win and buoyed by Shohei Ohtani’s eventual return to the mound—pose a formidable threat, the Braves remain poised for success. Their roster is bursting with talent, depth, and determination.
The road ahead will demand reinforcements, especially in the rotation, but Atlanta’s foundation is solid. With stars like Matt Olson and young contributors ready to shine, the Braves have every reason to aim high. Their resilience in 2024 proved they’re a force to be reckoned with, and 2025 promises another thrilling chapter.
