Despite an unfortunate loss to the Cubs on Thursday, where Chris Sale hilariously forgot the number of outs, the Atlanta Braves have to be thrilled with the result. Chicago came into the series challenging the Braves for the best record in baseball, and Atlanta took the series to secure their place as the best team in baseball so far in 2026. Following the Dodgers series with this convincing showing has put the Braves in a great position, but the season is FAR from over.
It also marks the end of what was a tough part of their schedule. The Braves had multiple West Coast road trips over the last month or so and had to face both some of the better teams in baseball, in addition to their bitter rivals, the Phillies, twice. When the dust settled, Atlanta now finds itself with a 30-14 record and a staggering nine-game lead in the NL East already. It is only May, but that almost makes their current division margin even more impressive.
The Braves now face a different challenge. They are, at minimum, one of the best teams in MLB with the record to show for it, and they now have to do their best to avoid complacency against a level of competition that is a step down, but still dangerous.
Chris Sale forgetting how many outs there were...and panicking.
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 15, 2026
And then has to flip his cap to the side as the dunce. 🤣 pic.twitter.com/6wi4H1kgoP
Braves have to keep their motivation high as they enter what should be a softer part of their schedule
The Braves' next four series are against teams with a losing record, but all four are potentially dangerous if Atlanta is not careful. The Red Sox come to town first, and while they are having a tough time at the moment, they possess player on both sides of the ball who are capable of stealing games away. After that, the Braves have to travel to Miami to face the Marlins for a quick road trip without a day off before or after. The Marlins are not a team Atlanta can just coast against, as they are a much more well-rounded team than we are used to seeing out of them.
After Miami, Atlanta returns home to welcome the Nationals, who are both playing pretty well at the moment and also possess two hitters in James Wood and CJ Abrams who have given the Braves fits. Finally, things come full circle as the Braves finally get a day off before traveling to Boston to take on the Red Sox again.
It is not a particularly scary part of the schedule, and on paper, Atlanta should be favored in every one of those series. However, the Braves have to guard against any sort of "adrenaline crash" or letdown after having played such a tough stretch. That is easier said than done, but that is what is required to maintain all of the progress the Braves have made this season. Just because the schedule gets easier does not mean it is free by any stretch of the imagination.