The Atlanta Braves have put themselves in position to make a playoff push after an unbelievable start to the season. However, after starting 40-20, they would go 9-14 in the month of June and as it stands today are just 4 games up on the Phillies.
Despite battling injuries for much of the season, enduring inconsistent starting pitching, and getting far less production than expected from a few stars, Atlanta still comes into today sitting atop the National League East. The margin for error, however, is razor thin.
With the trade deadline just around the corner and several key players nearing a return from injury, the Braves have everything they need to make another division run. Whether they actually do it will likely come down to five key factors.
1. Michael Harris II and Ozzie Albies Have to Stay Hot
If there has been one constant during Atlanta’s recent surge, it’s been the production from Michael Harris II and Ozzie Albies.
Albies has settled into the No. 2 spot in the lineup and has looked like the player Braves fans have grown accustomed to seeing over the past several years. His switch-hitting ability, improved plate discipline and Gold Glove caliber defense have made him one of Atlanta’s most valuable players during the first half.
Behind him, Michael Harris II has flourished in the cleanup spot.
While many in initially questioned whether Harris belonged in the middle of the order, he has answered those questions with one of the best offensive stretches of his young career. Add in his elite defense in center field, and he continues to impact the game in every possible way.
Atlanta’s offense is at its best when those two are consistently setting the tone behind the top of the lineup. If Albies continues getting on base and Harris continues driving runners in, the Braves become one of the deepest and most dangerous lineups in baseball.
If either player cools off, opposing pitchers suddenly have a much easier path through the heart of Atlanta’s order.
2. Ronald Acuña Jr. Needs to Return And Quickly
There’s no replacing Ronald Acuña Jr.
The former National League MVP has already begun his rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett as he works his way back from a Grade 1 left hamstring strain. The Braves have made it clear they aren’t going to rush him back, even though he’s healthy enough to return physically. Instead, they’re waiting until he looks fully reaclimated before activating him.
That’s the right decision.
As exciting as his return will be, expecting Acuña to immediately play at an MVP level isn’t realistic. Timing at the plate takes time, especially after missing more than a month.
But once he finds that rhythm?
Everything changes.
The lineup instantly becomes longer. Ozzie Albies moves into more RBI opportunities. Michael Harris II gets more runners on base. Matt Olson and Drake Baldwin receive more protection. Opposing pitchers suddenly have far less room for error.
A healthy Ronald Acuña Jr. batting leadoff completely changes the identity of this offense.
3. Atlanta Has to Add Another Starting Pitcher
This may be the biggest priority before the August 3 trade deadline.
Chris Sale has once again looked like an ace, but behind him the Braves have struggled to find consistency. Over the past two months, Atlanta’s rotation has produced one of the higher ERAs among National League contenders, making another reliable starter a necessity if they hope to win both the division and make a deep postseason run.
Alex Anthopoulos has never been afraid to make a deadline move, and there are several intriguing names expected to be available.
Among the most realistic options are:
- Kevin Gausman
- Robbie Ray
- Sonny Gray
- Michael Wacha
- Casey Mize
- Reid Detmers
Every one of those pitchers would immediately strengthen Atlanta’s rotation behind Chris Sale while taking pressure off the younger arms currently carrying significant innings.
One thing Braves fans should keep in mind is prospect cost.
If Atlanta makes a move, there are three prospects who should be considered untouchable:
- Didier Fuentes
- Cam Caminiti
- Eric Hartman
All three project as potential long-term impact pieces for the organization. Winning now is important, but sacrificing the future isn’t necessary when there are veteran starters available who don’t require emptying the farm system.
Adding another proven arm could ultimately be the move that separates Atlanta from Philadelphia and New York down the stretch.
4. Austin Riley Has to Be Austin Riley Again
No player may determine Atlanta’s ceiling more than Austin Riley.
For most of the season, Riley simply hasn’t looked like the perennial MVP candidate Braves fans have come to expect. Entering the second half, he’s hitting just .216 on the season.
The encouraging sign?
He’s beginning to heat up.
Riley is hitting .308 with a few home runs over his last seven games, showing signs that his swing is finally coming around.
The defensive side has never been the issue. Riley continues to make difficult plays look routine at third base.
The offense is what changes everything.
When Riley is driving the baseball to all fields, this lineup becomes almost impossible to navigate. Suddenly opposing pitchers have to work through Acuña, Albies, Harris, Olson, Baldwin and Riley without many opportunities to catch their breath.
If Riley finishes the second half looking anything like the player who routinely found himself in the MVP conversation just a couple seasons ago, Atlanta’s offense has a chance to become the deepest in baseball once again.
5. Getting Robert Suarez Back Could Transform the Bullpen
Atlanta’s bullpen has been excellent.
It could become elite.
Before landing on the injured list with right forearm inflammation, Robert Suarez was arguably the best reliever in baseball.
Through 31 appearances this season, Suarez has allowed just two earned runs while striking out 26 hitters and issuing only six walks. His ability to dominate the eighth and ninth innings completely changes how manager Walt Weiss can manage close games.
The good news?
Suarez has already resumed throwing, and all indications are that his return isn’t far away after MRI results revealed no structural damage.
When he’s back, Atlanta immediately regains one of baseball’s premier late-inning weapons.
Championship teams shorten games.
The Braves know that as well as anyone.
With Suarez locking down the back end alongside an already talented bullpen, Atlanta becomes significantly more dangerous in every close game during the stretch run.
Final Thoughts
The Braves don’t need a miracle.
They don’t need five blockbuster trades.
They simply need a few things to fall into place.
Michael Harris II and Ozzie Albies must continue producing at the top of the lineup. Ronald Acuña Jr. needs to return healthy and regain his MVP form. Alex Anthopoulos has to find another dependable starting pitcher without sacrificing the organization’s top young talent. Austin Riley must continue trending back toward being one of baseball’s premier hitters. And Robert Suarez needs to return to anchor the bullpen.
If those five things happen, the Braves won’t just have a great chance to win the National League East. They’ll once again look like one of the most dangerous teams in all of baseball—and a legitimate World Series contender.
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