Keys to victory
Run your own race: The Braves are unquestionably the best team in the NL East and should win their seventh consecutive division title, but there’s anxiety that comes with the expectations after being bounced in the NLDS by the Phillies two years in a row. After early exits in 100-win seasons Brian Snitker’s group can’t get concerned with noise and needs to focus on getting back to the playoffs.
Platoon in left field: Atlanta has high hopes for new addition Jerred Kelenic, just 24 and a few years removed from being considered one of baseball’s top prospects. He was supposed to be the team’s everyday left fielder but the Braves brought back Adam Duvall a month into spring training as Kelenic got off to a 4-for-34 start. Duvall has been one of baseball’s most consistent power hitters in recent years, averaging 37 homers and 102 RBI per 162 games since 2020. Back for a third stint with the club, Duvall will start against lefties and be a solid defensive option off the bench.
Injury-plagued vet: The Braves traded for
Chris Sale and immediately signed the 34-yearold former ace to a contract extension, showing their belief in him. Sale has managed just 33 starts over the past four seasons but was mostly healthy last year for Boston. Sale was one of baseball’s best pitchers of the 2010s, earning an All-Star nod and Cy Young votes every year from 2012 to 2018 with the White Sox and Red Sox. If he can stay on the mound and turn back the clock a bit, he may be one of the winter’s most valuable moves.