Atlanta Braves: Five Reasons They Can Be Surprise Contenders

Apr 16, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves center fielder Ender Inciarte (11) celebrates after he hit a solo home run as San Diego Padres catcher Hector Sanchez (44) is shown on the play in the seventh inning of their game at SunTrust Park. The Braves won 9-2. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 16, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves second baseman Brandon Phillips (4) celebrates with catcher Kurt Suzuki (24) after their win against the San Diego Padres at SunTrust Park. The Braves won 9-2. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

The Atlanta Braves rebuild seems to be coming to an end but they are still a young team with a lot of older veterans as place holders. While that may seem contradictory it is where the Braves team is a young core that has been built around with a lot of veteran players.

While two weeks into the season may not seem long enough to have an idea of who is good and who is not Braves fans already know this team is much better than last season’s unit. The question remains though if the Braves can compete for a postseason spot or hang in the wildcard race?

The answer is yes, if these five things happen and injuries are limited. Here are the five things that have to happen for the Braves to compete in 2017.

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Atlanta Braves: Five Reasons They Can Be Surprise Contenders

By Kit Anderson | Apr 19, 2017

The Atlanta Braves could become surprise contenders this season even with their slow start. The talent on the roster is there but if they want to contend these five things are going to have to happen.