If the Atlanta Braves had any legitimate hopes of turning the 2025 season around, this past week was the time. A series split with the New York Mets and losing a series to the Philadelphia Phillies set up what felt to be a pivotal moment against the Los Angeles Angels. Atlanta needed to sweep the struggling franchise to gain some sense of hope that the season isn't completely lost. Instead, the Braves would be shut out in the opener and fall behind late after an incredible performance from Grant Holmes. The starter worked around his mistakes while piling up strikeouts and giving his team every chance to claim the lead.
Watching Holmes put together such a strong game only to see it wasted is Atlanta's season explained. The offense failed to show up, and Dylan Lee had arguably his worst moment of the season, burying any hopes of Atlanta's offense fighting back. In many ways, it seems fitting that it was a familiar face that would put this game out of reach and push Atlanta's season back. Former Braves outfielder Jorge Soler put together the moment that would push the game out of reach and give the Angels complete control.
Former Braves Hero Jorge Soler Delivers Late Dagger
With two runners on, it seemed the Braves' bullpen might have a chance to wiggle out of a jam. Soler hadn't been hitting well and was an obvious strikeout target. However, Soler had different ideas, getting a measure of revenge by doubling home both runners before being replaced by a pinch runner who would also score.
This pushed the lead far out of what the Braves' offense was capable of giving and left the team looking at the reality of the current situation. It is time to begin to accept that a turnaround simply isn't coming. No matter what trades this team makes, there are too many roster flaws and struggling veterans to believe the season isn't lost.
With this in mind, the Braves would be wise to begin considering trading away players the team doesn't expect to impact the 2026 season. There simply isn't another path with how dark things have grown over the last month of the season.