For Acuña and Braves, sky's the limit in '20
ATLANTA -- Though the shape of the challenge has changed, the Braves still have the same World Series aspirations that existed before the coronavirus pandemic ended Spring Training in March. While the Braves would certainly like to celebrate a third straight National League East title, their ultimate goal is to
ATLANTA -- Though the shape of the challenge has changed, the Braves still have the same World Series aspirations that existed before the coronavirus pandemic ended Spring Training in March.
While the Braves would certainly like to celebrate a third straight National League East title, their ultimate goal is to bring Atlanta its first World Series championship since the strike-shortened 1995 season.
The 60-game season that awaits will look much different than the one navigated by those Braves 25 years ago, but the satisfaction and excitement it creates could prove to be quite similar.
Here’s a look at what to expect from the Braves in 2020.
What needs to go right?
With
Big question
One of the most influential pieces this year could be Swanson, who exited last June with 15 homers and an .815 OPS. What had the makings to be a strong season crumbled as he missed a month with a bruised right heel and produced a .611 OPS over the season’s final three months. Per Statcast, the Braves shortstop hit .020 lower than his Expected Batting Average (.271) and slugged .058 lower than his Expected Slugging Percentage (.480). If he shows opposite-field power, like he did early last season, this could be a very efficient offense.
On the schedule
Though getting off to a good start is important for every team during a 60-game sprint, it will be even more important to the Braves, who are scheduled to play their first 20 games -- one-third of the season -- before getting a breather. That 20-game stretch ends with a five-game road trip that includes games against the Phillies and Yankees. By Aug. 12, we may have a good feel for how successful the Braves might ultimately be this year.
• Braves' complete 2020 schedule
Team MVP will be ...
As good as Acuña was while finishing three steals shy of joining the 40-40 club last year, he's primed to be even better this season. The 22-year-old outfielder is one of four players in the past 25 years to hit 20 homers and steal 20 bases within a 60-game span. Expect him to match that feat this year and provide even greater defensive value with his arm in right field.
Team Cy Young will be ...
It’s pretty hard to pick against
Bold prediction
The Braves will win a third straight division title, but they will not hold sole possession of first place before the season’s final weekend.
Mark Bowman has covered the Braves for MLB.com since 2001.