The MLB Postseason begins tomorrow, and this should be an extremely enjoyable time for Braves fans. They get to watch playoff baseball from their couch, knowing they are already on to the next round. Braves fans will also get the opportunity to do a little scouting on their next opponent. Atlanta will play either the Cardinals or Phillies in the NLDS — one of which they are already very familiar with.
No team has won back-to-back World Series titles since the 2000 Yankees did so in their quest for a three-peat. However, this Braves team might be the best prepared to do so. Their lineup remains arguably the most potent in all of baseball, but it’s their pitching staff that has seen the most significant improvements.
Last year, nobody would have had Atlanta’s stable of arms within the top-five. This year, MLB has ranked the Braves’ pitching staff third in baseball entering the postseason.
I think the Braves’ ranking is fair. The Dodgers and Astros have had the most consistent pitching all season. Although, I would argue the Braves should be ahead of Los Angeles, given how many injuries they are dealing with. The one surprise to me on this list is the Mets. They have the best starting pitching of anyone, as well as the best closer. However, the rest of their bullpen leaves a lot to be desired.
The Braves staff has made some incredible strides this season. In the rotation, Spencer Strider and Kyle Wright have broken out, giving Atlanta a tremendous four-headed monster of Fried, Strider, Wright, and Morton. That’s up there with any rotation in the league, and the Braves’ bullpen is even better. With Collin McHugh, Dylan Lee, Tyler Matzek, Jesse Chavez, A.J. Minter, Raisel Iglesias, and Kenley Jansen — if the Braves can get a lead going into the fifth inning, they will be very difficult to come back on. That can’t be understated in today’s game when bullpens are almost more vital to a team’s success than starters.
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