For the third year in a row, the Braves exited the playoffs as quickly as they entered…another first appearance playoff quick exit. The last two years they won the National League East, had a first round bye, just to then lose quickly. This year managed a fifth seed wild card spot against the San Diego Padres out in San Diego, to lose both games 0-4, 4-5 to earn a comfy spot on the couch for the rest of the playoffs.
The Braves (89-73) had a slow start to the season and fell behind the Philadelphia Phillies by 10 games and played catchup the remainder of the season. The Braves managed to cut the lead down to three games at one point during the season, but couldn’t manage to get over the hump because injuries seemed to pile up the entirety of the season. Injuries to RF Ronald Acuna, Jr in April and 3B Austin Riley in August sidelined those stars for the season. Injuries to C Sean Murphy during the first game of season where he missed 14 games, and off again on again injuries to 2B Ozzie Albies and CF Michael Harris II just never let the Braves get going for the season. It’s always next man up, but sometimes that can only get you so far. The Braves did have some reliable backups that held the fort, but missing the star players at the plate and in the field caught up to this team. Outfielder RamĂ³n Laureano, 2B Nacho Alvarez and Whit Merrifield played key roles for the Braves, and played well…But the team just couldn’t keep up with the Phillies. Team also let the New York Mets creep up behind them to finish the season tied with the Braves at 89-73, but the Braves had the tie breaker and finished in 2nd place in the NL East. But the Braves are out of the playoffs and the Mets remain with their best of two out of three game series with the Milwaukee Brewers tied at one a piece.
I wish it was spring training again
Braves Manager Brian Sniker
Offseason Ahead
During this offseason, the Braves have some soul searching to do. Does Manager Brian Sniker come back or does General Manager Alex Anthopoulos want to go in another direction. The Braves have a great coaching staff that work well in the regular season, but go stale in the playoffs. A fire might need to be lit in the locker room. Snitker already said ” I wish it was spring training already.”
The Braves also have decisions to make with their starting rotation. To re-sign or not re-sign P Max Fried…does P Charlie Morton hang it up or come back for another trip around the sun for the Braves…and does 2024 triple crown winner, and NL Cy young to be, P Chris Sale re-sign again? Also, what to do with outfielder Jorge Soler, who was signed to help replace Acuna, Jr. My take: Anthopoulos seems to work his magic in signing players…sign Fried and Sale to a multi-year contract and let Morton walk or retire. Also, sign Soler to an extention, place him in left field as Acuna will be back in right field.
Long offseason ahead for the Braves….
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