After the Atlanta Braves' weekend series with the Astros the total number of games left on the season dwindled to 13. The Braves are navigating the final weeks of the season in hopes of answering a few questions to better prepare themselves for an exciting winter.
Some the latest developments out of Braves camp will help in answering those questions, and Alex Anthopoulos may be able to have a more aggressive approach this offseason because of it. What happened to Matt Olson's power is a question many fans have asked this season. However, Olson's latest stretch is bringing his season totals closer to the numbers fans expected back in March.
Olson has never hit less than 29 home runs in season in which he played at least 61 games, but his home run on Sunday moved his season total to just 25. Olson hasn't come close to replicating his magical 2023 season (his 54 homers led the league), but his 134 wRC+ is tied for the fourth best mark in baseball.
Matty goes mammo!#HyundaiHighlight | #BravesCountry pic.twitter.com/XAyVPSs6Gh
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) September 14, 2025
JR Ritchie continues to make his case for a 2026 rotation spot
The emergence of Hurston Waldrep has been one of the better storylines in the second half for the Atlanta Braves. However, another top pitching prospect continues to impress with Triple-A Gwinnett. Braves no. 2 prospect JR Ritchie has been on a tear since his promotion in mid July.
His latest outing with Gwinnett was yet another gem. On Saturday night against Nashville, Ritchie tossed six innings of three-run, seven strikeout ball. This outing actually increased his ERA with Gwinnett to 2.98 in 10 starts. However, the more we see from Ritchie the more confident we get in him making an impact in Atlanta next season.
Braves' veteran Sandy Leon gets some credit for coaching Drake Baldwin
Rookie catcher Drake Baldwin has been a revalation for Atlanta in 2025. The Braves have a good foundation of catching knowledge for Baldwin to lean on, but it was one veteran catcher in particular that earned Baldwin's praise back in spring. According to Grant McAuley, veteran backstop Sandy Leon was mentioned by name as someone who provided valuable guidance to Baldwin during his time with Gwinnett last season.
Leon is a 13 year veteran catcher, who recorded a home run for the first time since the 2021 season during Sunday's series finale. Leon has often been referred to as a future manager, and his guidance to Baldwin is an important reminder why keeping respected veteran catchers in the organization is always a good idea. With Brian Snitker's managerial future in question for next season, looking at long-time catchers like David Ross, Stephen Vogt, and many more are logical considerations for potential manager for the 2026 Braves.