The playoffs are approaching quickly, and the Atlanta Braves find themselves in line to win another NL East title. Unfortunately, their chances once they reach the playoffs aren't very good. They've been horribly inconsistent offensively, and the starting pitching isn't deep.
It's a recipe for disaster and not what fans hoped for this season. The team needs a few of their slumping players to step up soon if they're going to have a chance at reaching the World Series. Let's take a look at a few players who need to break out of their slumps immediately.
These Braves players need to step up if the team plans on going far in the postseason
Ozzie Albies
Ozzie Albies has been very inconsistent in the second half of the season. He's struggled to get on base, and the clutch hitting has practically disappeared. Braves fans have seen him take some of the worst swings on the team, and that has to change in the postseason. When Albies is more patient at the plate, he's able to inflict much more damage offensively.
Walt Weiss had the right idea moving him to the bottom of the lineup against the Cubs, and it improved things quickly. However, it didn't last long, as Weiss immediately moved him back up in the lineup the next day. It could be wise to keep him down at the bottom of the lineup to get hot as the playoffs approach.
Austin Riley
Austin Riley has been absolutely putrid at the plate. It's been very hard to watch. There have been moments that felt like it could be him turning a corner, but it hasn't happened. Over the last 30 games, Riley is slashing .216/.283/.324 with two homers, 11 RBI, nine walks, 40 strikeouts, and a .607 OPS.
Like most of Atlanta's offense, Riley has struggled to find the success he found in 2023. He hasn't hit 20+ homers since that incredible season. It's pretty easy to see why he hasn't been good, as he's 10 strikeouts away from 200 this season. Similar to Albies, he chases the ball WAY too much. His strikeout rate is the second-highest of his career, trailing just behind his rookie season. If the Braves have any chance in the playoffs, Riley has to return to form.
Mauricio Dubon
Dubon has been decent at the plate, with a .291/.344/.418 slash line over the last 15 games. He was easily one of the most clutch bats in the first half, but his 78 wRC+ in the second half isn't reassuring. However, the concern the Braves should have with their shortstop is that he's struggled defensively.
Dubon has made a couple of horrible errors and a misplay or two in the outfield over the last week that cost the team multiple runs. Not only that, but he's been the team's worst defensive player in the second half, with a -3 fielding run value (FRV).
That is so out of character for Dubon, who typically is a Gold Glove defender. He has been one of the best defensive players overall this season. He has 4 OAA, which is in the 87th percentile among MLB players. Dubon also boasts great arm strength to go with his range. That's why his defensive slump is concerning. Defense cannot afford to be an area of struggle for the Braves, especially with how not-clutch the offense has been at times.
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