The Atlanta Braves are struggling, and their chances of making a playoff run have taken a hit. Despite their impressive record in the past, they’ve lost 12 games, which is a significant deficit considering their expected W-L record. The team’s playoff odds have dropped to just 5%, and it’s clear that something needs to change.
The Braves’ decision to keep 20-year-old Didier Fuentes up in the majors despite his lack of readiness for MLB has been questioned by fans. However, the team believes that Fuentes’ pure stuff gives them the best chance to win. The rotation has also been shuffled multiple times, with Spencer Strider and Grant Holmes receiving less rest than they should.
The Braves are now shifting their focus from 2025 to 2026. They need to make strategic decisions to improve their chances next season. One obvious move is trading players on expiring contracts, such as Rafael Montero, Raisel Iglesias, and Marcell Ozuna. The team should consider eating some of the money on these contracts to improve the return.
The bullpen is another area that needs attention. Relievers like Pierce Johnson and Aaron Bummer have valuable contracts beyond 2025, but their usage has been limited by manager Brian Snitker. If the Braves don’t intend to use Bummer in more important situations, they should trade him to free up salary for next year.
The starting pitching prospects in Gwinnett are also a priority. The rotation has been decimated by injuries, and it’s time to focus on finding a way to keep Spencer Strider and Grant Holmes healthy down the stretch. A conservative approach could be necessary, with shorter outings and fewer pitches to avoid fatigue.
Michael Harris II is another player who needs attention. Despite some struggles against left-handed pitchers, Harris should be played every day as the Braves’ everyday center fielder. His defensive skills and hitting ability make him a crucial part of the team’s lineup.
Finally, the Braves should consider getting rookie phenom Drake Baldwin into the lineup more frequently. With his impressive performance in the minors, Baldwin has the potential to lead the league in rookie of the year voting. The Braves can’t afford to miss out on this opportunity.
The Braves’ decision to trade Sean Murphy would be a significant move if they could get a better player for around $15M per year. However, keeping both Baldwin and Murphy is probably the best approach, as other teams may not want to take on Murphy’s contract due to his age and declining production.
Source: https://www.batterypower.com/2025/7/11/24465382/atlanta-braves-analysis-regular-season-outlook-underperformance-disappointment-rebuild