Atlanta Braves Team Preview (2020)

The Atlanta Braves have won 90-plus games in back-to-back seasons, en route to consecutive National League East division titles. However, they have failed to advance past the Division series in the playoffs during this time. Last year, they were dominated 13-1 at home in the deciding game five against the Cardinals. The year prior, they lost their first series 3-1 to the Dodgers. Braves fans are hoping that the continued development of their young stars is enough to get them over the hump.

Atlanta’s lineup returns nearly intact a year after they finished with the third-most runs scored in the National League. The big loss is the departure of third baseman Josh Donaldson, who signed a four-year deal with the Twins. The Braves will use a committee of 22-year-old Austin Riley, Johan Camargo, and free-agent signee Adeiny Hechavarria to replace Donaldson. The Braves hope that their other big signing, Marcell Ozuna, will fill the missing void in the lineup. The best may be yet to come from Ronald Acuna Jr. and Ozzie Albies. Along with Freddie Freeman, they form an impressive middle of the batting order, one that should continue to produce plenty of runs.

Here is a look at all futures odds for the Atlanta Braves. We make predictions on which are the best bets and others that offer little value (odds courtesy of FanDuel).

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Win Total: 90.5

The Braves won 97 games a year ago, good for the second-best record in the league. The year prior, they won 90 games in a seemingly weaker division. Four teams have odds of +310 or better to win the NL East, so it is expected to be a very balanced division. Atlanta signed Giants closer Will Smith to help their bullpen depth, which already included Mark Melancon, Shane Greene, Luke Jackson, and Darren O’Day. Last year’s unit finished 11th in the majors in bullpen ERA. The Braves had an 83-4 record when leading after eight innings last year. They were also 11-6 in extra-inning games. If their strengthened bullpen can help them win a couple more games they are leading late, 91 or more wins is a possibility.

What scares me about this number is how much better the division got. The Nationals aim to better their 93 wins from last year, even though they lost Anthony Rendon. The Mets have an outstanding starting rotation, and they figure to have a better bullpen after the addition of Dellin Betances. The Phillies added shortstop Didi Gregorius and starting pitcher Zack Wheeler, and they appear destined to improve upon their .500 record from a year ago. With all four teams projected for at least 85 wins, I do not see enough easy wins for the Braves to once again reach the 90-plus win plateau.

Verdict: Under 90.5 wins

NL East Winner: +200

The Braves are the favorites to win their third consecutive division title. In order to do so, their starting pitching must continue to be reliable. Atlanta’s starters ranked 12th in the majors last year with a 4.20 ERA. They ranked middle of the pack in terms of strikeouts (15th) and Batting Average Against (16th). They head into spring training with some injury concerns. Ace Mike Soroka tweaked his groin, and the team is pushing back his spring training debut. Cole Hamels will be shut down for at least another two weeks due to a shoulder injury. However, if anyone is built to overcome injuries to their rotation, it is the Braves. In addition, their lineup consists of younger players, and that always breeds confidence that they will stay healthy. In a 162 game season, a team’s health is arguably just as important as their talent.

Verdict: +200 odds are not great, but they are deserving favorites to win the division

NL Winner: +650

The Braves are the second-biggest favorites to win the pennant, trailing only the Dodgers. As strong as Atlanta’s starting pitching has been, it seems like it’s also been the reason they have not advanced past the first round of the playoffs. Other teams like the Nationals and Dodgers have outstanding pitching depth and “lights out” aces. However, the Braves have an underwhelming two through four starters in Max Fried, Cole Hamels, and Mike Foltynewicz. Unless the front office adds an ace-type pitcher at the top of the rotation, they are destined to suffer the same fact as in their last two playoff appearances.

Verdict: Pass. I would suggest looking elsewhere if you’re interested in fading the Dodgers.

World Series Winner: +1400

For the same reasons as the Braves have trouble advancing in the playoffs, their World Series prospects seem even more unlikely. Not only would the Braves have to win three more series than they have won in years past, but they would also face an even tougher test in the World Series. The Yankees or Astros appear destined to represent the American League, and both of these teams are better on paper than the Braves. Atlanta may decide to go “all in” at the trade deadline and make a championship push while they have a window with their group of young players. However, until they are proven they are committed to making a push, Atlanta simply does not have a World Series ceiling.

Verdict: Pass in the preseason. Wait to see if they make any big in-season moves.

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Mike Spector is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @MikeSpector01.