Looking at Atlanta's roster, there is a surprising amount of typically reliable Braves off to a poor start. The rotation, lineup, and bullpen all have key pieces failing to live up to expectations in the first weeks of the season. This has led to a predictably rough start that will force Atlanta to play catch-up in the first months of the season. Barring an incredible hot streak, it is going to take weeks to dig themselves out of the mess they have authored.
If that is going to happen, it will require key players to start living up to their contracts and turning back the clock. This should begin with a piece that is supposed to be the tone-setter for the Atlanta offense.
1. Matt Olson
Marcell Ozuna has walked 15 times already this season due to the lack of respect for the rest of Atlanta's lineup. Not only are the hitters ahead of Ozuna failing to get on, but the power bats behind the designated hitter aren't living up to expectations. A lot of the heat Olson has gotten in recent seasons is based on an unfair comparison. Freddie Freeman and Matt Olson are very different players and a portion of Atlanta fans are yet to come to terms with this.
With that said, there is a level of fair criticism Olson has earned for the team's start to the season. When you're paid at the level of the first baseman, a certain level of expectations comes attached. Olson's incredible 2023 season only added to this fact, leaving many fans expecting a repeat performance.
The 2024 season was a slight step back, but Olson remained productive and was hurt by having so little around him. While the Braves are yet to be fully healthy, the team still has more of their starters than last season. Things aren't perfect, however, Olson is supposed to be part of the solution, not the problem. Failing to deliver in big spots has become predictable and cannot continue to be tolerated if the season is going to turn around.