Atlanta Braves: Sitting on the Edge of Contention

The Atlanta Braves are sitting a game under .500 and as close to a contending team as they have been in recent memory. Could this team turn a corner before the break and prove to be surprise contenders?

Sitting on the edge of contention is new for Atlanta Braves fans as the Braves sit a little over a week away from the All-star game the Braves sit a single game away from .500 and remain within striking distance of a postseason spot.

The problem for the Braves is if they will be able to maintain their pace for the next six games when they face the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals two top contending teams that the Braves will have a chance to prove themselves against. While it may be a small sample size to be a deciding factor in the direction the Braves go it would not at all be surprising if it determines whether or not the Braves are selling or buying at the break.

The Astros and Nationals will be facing the Braves for a six game stretch that the Braves will have to split at worst. Any record worse than 3-3 during that stretch and the team is likely to opt to become sellers.

If the Braves are able to better that record the team could opt to look to add pieces to attempt to make a run at a postseason spot. While the Braves are focused on a youth movement they do have many pieces like Matt Kemp and Nick Markakis who are in the part of their careers where they are ready to win now.

The deciding factor for the Braves will be if Dansby Swanson or Sean Newcomb have the maturity that they would need to have for the Braves to go no an extended run. There is no question this roster has the talent now it is time for them to answer the question as to whether they will become contenders again.