How Does THIS Atlanta Braves Team Compare to the 2021 Squad?
Locked On Braves - Daily Podcast On The Atlanta BravesShow Notes
Atlanta Braves fans wonder: can this year’s squad capture the same postseason magic as the 2021 World Series champions? Jake Mastroianni compares the current Braves rotation—featuring Chris Sale, Tyler Mahle, and potential third starter Grant Holmes—to the 2021 trio of Max Fried, Charlie Morton, and Ian Anderson. Home run power, bullpen depth, and postseason roster strategy take center stage as Atlanta eyes another October run.
Key questions include whether the Braves’ offense can shed recent inconsistencies and if stars like Matt Olson, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Austin Riley will get hot at the right time. Mastroianni examines base-stealing, bullpen options like Dylan Lee, Raisel Iglesias, and Didier Fuentes, and the importance of roster versatility. With postseason seeding and potential lockout concerns looming, Atlanta’s path forward is packed with intrigue. Can this Braves team outmatch the ghosts of 2021—or will familiar challenges stall their World Series ambitions?
More from Locked On Braves - Daily Podcast On The Atlanta Braves
Atlanta Braves face shortstop uncertainty as free agency and trade options dry up. Is Mauricio Dubón the only answer for 2027, or can Alex Anthopoulos unearth a surprise move to bridge the gap until prospects like Tate Southisene or Alex Lodise are ready? Jake Mastroianni weighs the likelihood of re-signing Dubón, considers the risks of trading for the likes of Jeremy Peña, and questions whether Atlanta’s current group of young shortstops can truly anchor the infield long term.
Atlanta Braves strike gold with the Chris Sale trade—can the ace keep defying Father Time? Matt Olson’s rollercoaster season raises questions about his late-year slump and postseason struggles.
Atlanta Braves face tough questions as Ozzie Albies’ production plummets following his All-Star-caliber start. Could 2027 mark the final season for the Braves’ longtime second baseman? Jake Mastroianni examines Albies’ sharp decline at the plate, dissecting his streaky offensive numbers, defensive improvements, and leadership value. Key stats, such as Albies’ .237 average and 22 home runs, are weighed against his alarming late-season slump and dwindling on-base percentage.
Atlanta Braves prospects ignite hope for the next generation at Truist Park. Could John Gil and Tate Southisene be the dynamic duo to watch in the coming seasons? With Gil’s explosive finish at Double-A—boasting .315 batting and 60 stolen bases—and Southisene’s advanced plate discipline in the Arizona Fall League, the Braves' farm system is buzzing with potential.
Atlanta Braves’ postseasons could look very different if just one franchise great had stayed. Which trade or non-signing hurt Atlanta the most? Jake Mastroianni breaks down why losing Dansby Swanson has been the biggest blow, citing the Braves’ league-worst shortstop production since Swanson joined the Chicago Cubs. He weighs the effects of letting Freddie Freeman and Max Fried walk, and revisits the controversial William Contreras trade, revealing how these moves still shape Atlanta’s roster and playoff hopes.