We finally made it! By this time tomorrow, the Braves will be playing a regular season baseball game that counts in the standings. For baseball fans, it’s the most exciting time of the year, which means it’s time to end our countdown to Opening Day by discussing the most exciting topic in baseball — the World Series.
If you missed any of the previous editions to this series, follow the links below.
- 7 things I’m most looking forward to in 2023
- 6 NL East foes I’m least excited to face
- 5 biggest questions that must be answered
- 4 MVP candidates
- 3 breakout candidates
- 2 NL East foes to conquer
Can the Braves win their second World Series in three years?
The Braves are smack dab in the middle of their championship window. They are one of the few teams in Major League Baseball that can say they are 100% championship or bust. Division titles may be something the Phillies or Mets can brag about at the end of the year if they finally overcome their big brother in Atlanta, but the Braves have been there and done that. This team has won five straight division titles — the longest active streak in the majors — and a World Series over the last five years. Anything less than holding up the Commissioner’s Trophy at the end of October is a failure.
When looking around the league, few teams have a roster comparable to the Braves. There are threats to hit 30+ home runs littered through their lineup. Their rotation features not one but two aces and is as deep as any in the league. Hell, their starting five in Gwinnett — featuring Mike Soroka, Bryce Elder, Ian Anderson, and Kolby Allard — could give many organizations a run for their money. And the depth of their pitching staff continues into the bullpen, which FanGraphs recently ranked the top relief core in baseball.
Raisel Iglesias may begin the season on the IL, but it’s expected to be a minor setback. He remains one of the top closers in baseball, and A.J. Minter might be the best setup man in the league. Add to that Collin McHugh, Joe Jiménez, Dylan Lee, Kirby Yates, Lucas Luetge, and Nick Anderson; it’s going to be tough for anybody to beat the Braves once the get the lead past the fifth inning.
From top to bottom, the Braves have built a championship caliber roster. They are filled with young superstars and guys that have been there before. To say these are the golden years of Braves baseball isn’t even doing it justice, and they have a chance to win their second World Series in three years with many more opportunities to come in the future.
This sport is random; all you can ask for is a chance in October, and the Braves have the opportunity to earn their shot over the next six months. It’s going to be a fun ride, and I’m giddy to cover this team again in 2023.
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Photo: Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire
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