Atlanta Braves Chances at Contending are Improved in 2018
By Kit Anderson
The Atlanta Braves season kicks off this week and with it a step forward to put the rebuild behind the team. With exciting rookies mixed with reliable veterans this team will finally take the elusive step forward.
Watching the Atlanta Braves over the last few seasons has been best described as painful. Poor pitching and inconsistent offense were the biggest consistencies for the team.
Despite that the new stadium was a hit and SunTrust Park saw it’s attendance numbers soar. The new stadium excitement however, is all but worn and now more than anything the fans are ready for a team that knows how to win.
This Atlanta Braves roster is equipped better than any in the past three seasons. While many things are going to have to fall the Braves way this team can hang in the Wildcard race long enough to keep fans interested.
Not only that but young players like Ozzie Albies and Ronald Acuna Jr. will be looking to cement themselves as top young hitters in the game. Add in veterans like Julio Teheran who will be better this season and Freddie Freeman and this team will take a step forward.
Taking a step forward doesn’t mean making the postseason it does mean playing relevant baseball for the majority of the season with young prospects claiming jobs, and the Braves winning more often.
Wins are what fans want to see more than anything and that is exactly what this season will be about for the Braves. A season of learning how to win and pitching themselves to next year’s deep free agent class.
Thursday will kick off the Braves season as they open the year against the NL East rival Phillies. The series will be a great chance for the Braves to kick off the season with a series win against another young team.