6. Austin Riley
Outside of Strider and Acuna, Austin Riley is the one player on this list you can rely on to rebound. There isn't any doubt that the 2024 season was the outlier and due to what was happening around him as well as injuries. Yes, you would like to see Riley get off to a more consistent start this season. However, there is no cause for concern or valid reason to believe the hitter's power numbers and average won't both return to career norms.
Riley was given just a piece of what Freddie Freeman dealt with years ago with the rebuilding Braves. There was far less traffic setting the third baseman up, and pitchers were able to be far more careful. Add this in with the fact that Riley was never able to get fully healthy in the second half of the season, and there is reason to believe we are set for a huge 2025 comeback from Atlanta's third baseman.
7. Ozzie Albies
Another Braves building block that not only took a step back offensively but was unable to stay on the field due to injuries. The one concern with Albies is where the defense will be at this point in his career. It has become clear the defensive side has taken a slight step back when it comes to range and Ozzie's arm. How much of this is due to the consistent injuries Albies has dealt with?
While the defensive ceiling remains a question mark, there is no question that this is a huge offensive upgrade for Atlanta. Albies and Acuna back in the top of Atlanta's lineup is exactly what the team was missing at the end of last year.
Atlanta's 2023 offensive dominance was all about a group effort of an unrelenting lineup. Each of these missing pieces is now returning, which leaves plenty of reason to believe the Braves will turn back the clock, not only individually but as an offensive unit. The 2025 season is the year Atlanta will re-establish themselves as World Series contenders.