As 2024 goes further into the rearview mirror, the Atlanta Braves find themselves at a crucial crossroads. After a challenging season, they have a clear opportunity to reset and refocus for a successful 2025.
Here are three resolutions to help them get there.
Braves Need to Prioritize Health and Durability
It’s no mystery: the healthier the Braves, the better their chances. Last season’s injury bug was relentless, derailing their momentum at key moments. Going forward, staying healthy has to be more than just a hope—it must be a priority.
Ronald Acuña Jr. remains a centerpiece of the team’s success, though his injury history will always invite concern. However, Austin Riley and Ozzie Albies faced one-off injuries that shouldn’t raise long-term alarms.
Michael Harris II, despite a hamstring strain, has largely been durable. He should be a major contributor in the upcoming season with proper management. A proactive approach to player health could make all the difference in the long grind of 2025.
Take a Stronger Swing at the Trade Deadline
While the Braves are known for making shrewd, low-risk moves, a bit more boldness at the trade deadline could be the missing ingredient.
Past midseason acquisitions, like Jorge Soler, paid off handsomely, but relying on minimal tweaks may not be enough in a highly competitive division.
This doesn’t mean chasing blockbuster deals for the sake of it. However, adding impactful role players instead of banking solely on internal recoveries would strengthen their playoff chances.
A repeat of the aggressive strategy from their 2021 World Series season could push them over the top.
Flip Pitching Depth for Established Talent
The Braves are loaded with pitching prospects, and not all of them will crack the big-league roster. With MLB-ready arms like Ian Anderson and Grant Holmes already in the fold, the team has valuable trade assets with which to work.
Packaging one or two of their non-core prospects for a proven veteran—be it a consistent hitter or an experienced pitcher—could elevate the roster significantly.
While Cam Caminiti and Hurston Waldrep may remain untouchable, moving other promising arms could bring in the finishing pieces for a championship run.
By focusing on health, embracing a bolder trade deadline approach, and leveraging their pitching surplus for win-now talent, the Braves can position themselves as serious contenders in 2025. With the right moves, another deep playoff run is well within reach.
