As we all get ready to begin a new decade we take a look at what our expectations should be for the Atlanta Braves over the next 10 years.
Before we focus on the next decade, let’s take a quick look back at the previous decade to see whether or not the Atlanta Braves met expectations.
From 2010-2019 the Braves went to the postseason five times and won the NL East three times. They had five seasons winning 90 games or more and another season of 89 wins.
Outside of the four-year rebuild, Atlanta actually had a good deal of regular season success in the past decade.
I think if you would have told me back in 2009 that the Braves would win three division titles and make the playoffs in half the decade, I would have taken that.
But as we enter a new decade, I think the expectation for the Braves is a little higher.
Expectations in coming decade:Â
– Six postseason appearances: The NL East may be the toughest division in all of baseball right now, but I still believe the Braves are best setup for the next decade. They made five postseason appearances this past decade, so six doesn’t sound like too big of an ask. But as a fan, if my team is making it to the playoffs every other year I’m satisfied; although I would love for them to advance in two or three of those appearances.
– Win a World Series: Forget even advancing in the playoffs, that should be a given and not an expectation even though it didn’t happen this past decade. My expectation for this core group in the coming decade is to win a World Series.
If we get to the end of 2029 and the Braves haven’t won another World Series I’ll be pretty disappointed with the decade.
– Win an MVP: The Braves haven’t won an MVP award since 1999 when Chipper Jones won it. With the talent this team has I would be a little surprised if they don’t win an MVP in the coming decade. Freddie Freeman and Ronald Acuna Jr. are the most likely candidates to end that streak.
We already talked about the possibility of a Braves pitcher winning a Cy Young, but I think it’s much more likely an MVP award comes to Atlanta in the next decade.
If all of these things happen then I think we’re in for a very satisfying decade. Let us know your expectations for the coming decade in the comments below.