Putting the Braves divisional dominance into perspective

MLB: SEP 12 Braves at Phillies

The Braves are the kings of the National League’s Eastern division once again, clinching their sixth straight divisional title last night with a 4-1 win over the Phillies. As ESPN Stats & Info notes, it is Atlanta’s 23rd divisional title since the divisional era began, three more than any other team over that span.

However, that stat doesn’t really do the Braves’ recent stretch of dominance justice, particularly over the NL East.

Since the Braves moved to the NL East in 1994, they have won 18 division titles, 13 more than the next closest team (Phillies) in the division. To go even further, with the Braves sixth straight division title, they now have more division titles over the last six years than any other team in the division since they joined.

For the last 30 years, the Braves have been the most well run organization in all of baseball, and possibly all of sports. The NL East is no cakewalk. Since the turn of the century, the Marlins, Phillies, Braves, and Nationals have all won the World Series (sorry, Mets).

This is one of the most competitive divisions across the league, and the Braves continuously make it look easy on an annual basis. What makes it even crazier is this might just be the beginning. The core of the Braves roster is locked up for the foreseeable future, and they are spending more money than they ever have thanks to the new stadium and the surrounding Battery area. That’s not going to change, either.

The Braves are going to continue to spend more each year moving forward. There should no longer be any doubt about that. Combine the increased spending with one of the best front offices and developmental staff in sports, and it is a recipe for a sustained dynasty. The Braves have already won six straight division titles, and this might just be the beginning. It’s not ridiculous to think they could challenge their own record of 14 straight division titles, a record many thought may never be broken.

Photo: Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire

Scroll to Top
%d bloggers like this: