The Atlanta Braves are in contention for the National League's best record and undeniably a World Series contender. This isn't to discount the roster concerns or questions around how the postseason rotation would line up, but crediting a franchise with one of the league's best records. Add in the stacked lineup and clear bullpen depth, and there is no doubt the Braves could get hot at the right time and go on a run.
With this in mind, let's look at the three largest threats to Atlanta. Each of this trio is in the National League, with it clearly being the favorite to have a World Series champion emerge, starting with a familiar team that is a heavy postseason favorite.
1. Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers adding Tarik Skubal may have inspired a lot of fan outrage, but this doesn't do anything except headline the fact that the franchise is heavy favorites. Los Angeles has an incredible postseason rotation and a lineup with no shortage of postseason accomplishments. Winning two straight World Series has to take a toll, but having such a talented group leaves no doubt that the Dodgers are the heavy favorites.
Atlanta has bounced a loaded Dodgers team from the postseason in years past, and this magic could be found yet again. There is no debating that Los Angeles would be favored, but the Braves at least have a puncher's chance against a team attempting a threepeat and a level of dominance the league hasn't seen in recent memory.
2. Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies might just be hanging around in the wildcard race, but there is no denying the mental demons facing the Braves when it comes to a postseason matchup with their division rival. A historic offensive season in 2023 was ended by Philadelphia with this happening in back-to-back years, and the Phillies clearly having more postseason energy and confidence in comparison to a Braves roster that appeared to lack a needed spark.
Like it or not, Philadelphia has gotten the better of Atlanta in the postseason and is a mental hurdle Atlanta needs to prove they can get past. While the Braves are clearly the better team, this was the case in the 2023 season as well, and this didn't matter. Rewriting history would be welcomed, but this matchup inspires a certain level of undeniable anxiety.
3. Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers sit at the top of the National League and will dare any team to beat Jacob Misiorowski in a game one. Matching up the dominant young pitcher against Chris Sale would be an electric start to a series between two heavyweights. The Brewers deserve a high level of respect for what they have accomplished this season and have a different feel than recent Milwaukee teams.
Atlanta is very capable of bouncing the Brewers, but it isn't a matchup the team would choose based on elite talent and a level of winning that has become impossible to ignore. It has been a great season for Milwaukee, who will be a tough out for any team they match up against.
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