Atlanta Braves fans finally had true cause for celebration over the weekend. The Braves clearly had a prime opportunity with the Twins coming to town and the team actually capitalized this time with their first sweep of the season that seems to have changed, at least for the moment, the narrative that Atlanta was already done for in 2025.
Of course, there are a number of other things going on with the Braves right now. They clearly have some communication issues to work out especially with Ronald Acuna Jr. and one series sweep isn't going to single-handedly turn their season around. Here are the latest goings-on with the Braves coming off a promising weekend.
Braves News: Atlanta being publicly traded company to cost them million in taxes soon
When we think of taxes when it comes to baseball teams, it is mostly in terms of the competitive balance tax aka "the luxury tax". It is a relatively easy to understand idea that is comes down to "did X team more or less than the tax threshold and by how much?". However, it turns out that the Braves have their own unique tax issues to attend to.
A new tax rule is set to go into effect soon that will make it where publicly traded companies cannot deduct their highest salaries anymore. The Braves are the only publicly-traded baseball team right now, so this is a tax bill (which could be in excess of $19 million) that only they have to pay in all of MLB. One wonders if this calculation was one of the reasons why Atlanta wasn't as active last offseason as fans would have liked.
Braves News: Jarred Kelenic acknowledges fault during Snitker-Acuna Jr. drama
Most Braves fans are aware of the issues that have arisen regarding Brian Snitker and Ronald Acuna Jr. over the weekend. Snitker was cavalier when asked about Jarred Kelenic not running out a fly ball which nearly cost the Braves, Acuna Jr. took issue with the response given how he had been disciplined in the past, and things have been a mess ever since.
Lost in the back and forth is that Kelenic came forward to take responsibility for his part in the drama. Snitker already said that he spoke to Kelenic once he figured out what had happened, but Kelenic spoke to the media as well and said that he was the one to reach out to Snitker. Kelenic clearly felt terrible about the play and that he was definitely in the wrong while assuring Snit and everyone else that it would not happen again.
Braves News: Alex Verdugo's first series with Atlanta couldn't have gone much better
Few thought that the Braves signing Alex Verdugo was going to matter much coming into the season. Atlanta already had Jurickson Profar under contract and with Verdugo not having spring training, the idea that he would get much playing time seemed to be farfetched. However, Profar's suspension and the Braves' other outfield options struggling opened the door for Verdugo late last week.
Atlanta has to be feeling pretty good about that choice right now. After his first game saw several hard hit balls, Verdugo put up a four hit game in the Braves' win on Saturday and he has been a general menace at the top of the lineup in working long at-bats. Verdugo needn't be a star with this Braves lineup, but he seems to be filling the role they need from him nicely thus far.