The Atlanta Braves—a team that, let’s not forget, just a couple of years ago won the whole thing—are now sitting at No. 9 on Bleacher Report’s power rankings, and, more intriguingly, they’re behind not one, but two NL East rivals. Yep, the Phillies and Mets are perched in the top five, and that should definitely raise some eyebrows in Braves Country. Let’s get into the “why.”
Pitching Problems Loom Large
Joel Reuter from Bleacher Report laid it out pretty clearly. The Braves have some major pitching concerns. With Max Fried and Charlie Morton no longer in their rotation and Spencer Strider likely missing the start of the season, there’s a hole—a big one—that needs filling.
The Mets are out there making blockbuster moves like landing Juan Soto. The Phillies are solidifying an already dangerous roster. Then the Braves seem to have stayed pretty quiet.
Patience Over Panic: Is It the Right Move?
It feels like Atlanta is just sitting back while their competition loads up, but the reality is a bit more nuanced. The front office isn’t asleep at the wheel. They’re just playing the long game. Maybe they’re banking on their core talent to keep them competitive.
Maybe they believe smart, incremental moves will serve them better than one giant splash. And let’s not forget that the Braves MVP, Ronald Acuña Jr., will eventually be back in right field. That’s a game-changer all by itself.
The Risk of the Braves Falling Behind
Is patience a good thing? Absolutely. But there’s also a risk of standing still while the Mets and Phillies run full speed ahead. The NL East is shaping up to be brutal next season, and the Braves can’t afford to fall too far behind early on.
That No. 9 ranking reflects that reality. This isn’t just about potential, it’s about momentum. And right now, the Braves seem to have hit the pause button while their rivals are on fast-forward.
It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint for the Braves
Of course, power rankings in December are exactly that—December power rankings. Baseball seasons aren’t decided in the winter meetings; they’re decided over 162 games, when talent, depth, and experience really come into play. The Braves still have all three. But it might be time to start filling those gaps if they want to keep pace with the Mets and Phillies. Patience is a virtue in this division, but action might be necessary.
And if there’s one thing Atlanta fans know, it’s that the Braves always seem to find a way. But for now, third place in the NL East? It’s fair. It might sting, but it’s fair.
