The Braves have the best offense in baseball, and it’s not even close. Atlanta’s 1-9 poses a threat every single time they’re up to bat, and what’s even more impressive, their bench features a couple of guys that clubs around the league would love to have in their starting lineup.
Right now, they’re undeniably the team to beat. Obviously, the Braves will travel to Tampa Bay to take on the Rays, who are the class of the American League, so that series will tell us a lot. But at the All-Star break, Atlanta is the class of baseball.
Ken Rosenthal said on Foul Territory that he doesn’t see anyone beating them right now.
Ken Rosenthal on Braves: "I don't see anyone beating them" https://t.co/t1IoIQEI0x via @YouTube
— KC Covington (@Fried_Baseball) July 6, 2023
There might not be a more respected individual across baseball than Rosenthal. Not only is he fair and impartial, but he’s also one of the best storytellers in sports media. He hedges a bit by saying it’s still early in the season because it is, but there’s no need to. Unless the Braves suffer some catastrophic injuries, it’s World Series or bust in Atlanta.
The club already features the most potent lineup in baseball, along with a pretty underrated pitching staff, and they’re not even fully healthy. Max Fried, the 2022 Cy Young runner-up, is eyeing a return soon after the All-Star break, and Kyle Wright is just a bit further behind. Moreover, arms like Dylan Lee and Jesse Chavez are still on the IL with minor injuries.
This team features the runaway NL MVP in Ronald Acuna Jr. and another handful that will garner MVP votes — Matt Olson, Sean Murphy, and Ozzie Albies — as well as a couple of Cy Young candidates in Bryce Elder and Spencer Strider.
When this team is at full strength, it will be a juggernaut, if they aren’t already. There is no better time to be a Braves fan.
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Photographer: Justin Berl/Icon Sportswire
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