2023 regular-season review: Atlanta Braves
In a historic year that saw them tie the MLB record for home runs by a team in a season, the Atlanta Braves finished 2023 with the best record in baseball at 104-58 and showed that they will be a force for years to come with a star-studded core locked into long-term deals.
Let's take a look back at some of the key players and moments for the Braves in 2023.
Hitter of the Year: Ronald Acuna Jr.
(.337/.416/.596, 80 XBH, 106 RBI and 73 stolen bases in 159 games played)
In what was one of the greatest seasons by a hitter in MLB history, Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. proved that his knee injury is finally behind him in 2023. He proved this by doing something that no other player has achieved in MLB history, with 40-plus home runs and 70-plus stolen bases in the same season.
His unique blend of speed and power was on display, but his ability to command the strike zone was a huge benefit in 2023. With 80 walks compared to his 84 strikeouts, Acuna Jr. was able to not only cut down on his outs at the plate but he was also able to get on more for his teammates.
One of baseball's brightest young stars, Acuna Jr. is likely to win his first National League MVP award this season after leading the charge for the Braves.
Pitcher of the Year: Spencer Strider
(20-5, 3.86 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 281 strikeouts in 186.2 innings pitched)
After a dominant rookie season in 2022, Strider was one of the only pitchers on the Braves staff that they could rely on to march out to the mound every time it was his turn in the rotation in 2023. Known for his filthy swing-and-miss stuff, Strider led the MLB with 281 strikeouts in 186.2 innings pitched and also led the MLB with his 13.5 K/9.
With teammate pitcher Max Fried only able to make 15 starts, Strider was left to carry the rotation along with pitchers Charlie Morton and Bryce Elder. They were able to get the job done with the help of the Braves potent offense.
His ERA was inflated this year thanks to his spike in home runs allowed, surrendering 22 to opposing batters this season after only allowing seven in 2022.
He will look to limit the ball leaving the park in 2024, as he looks to win his first Cy Young award next season.
Minor League Player of the Year: Vaughn Grissom, shortstop
(.330/.419/.501, 48 XBH, 61 RBI and 13 stolen bases in 102 games played)
Thought to be the Braves starting shortstop after Dansby Swanson, who had been with Atlanta since 2016, left for the Chicago Cubs in the offseason. Grissom could not win the job from shortstop Orlando Arcia and was sent to Triple-A after spring training where he spent the year.
Despite not winning the job, Grissom had another huge year in the minors and is likely to force his way into the Braves plans for next season or could be dealt this offseason to shore up other positions in Atlanta.
In 329 career minor league games, Grissom is posting a .320/.407/.477 slash line with 123 XBH, 194 RBI and 59 stolen bases.
Play of the Year: Braves tie MLB home run record
In a season filled with great moments, Braves outfielder Marcell Ozuna gave fans a reason to cheer all the way to the last inning of the regular season.
Stepping to the plate in the ninth inning of the Braves regular-season finale, Ozuna lifted a 2-2 pitch deep to centerfield that snuck over the wall. Ozuna's second home run of the game, it helped the Braves tie the 2019 Minnesota Twins for the most home runs by a team in a season with 307.
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