We are approaching the halfway mark for the 2025 Atlanta Braves season. It's been a difficult year as they've navigated underperformance, injuries, and a suspension. As of July 1st, the Braves sit in third place in the NL East with a 38-45 record.
With how poorly things have gone, some feel that Atlanta will be sellers at the trade deadline. GM Alex Anthopoulos has not made any indication that the team will sell unless things were to go completely sideways.
It's hard to imagine the team will find the consistency needed to reach the postseason. The offense has been awful with a couple of exceptions, the rotation is without their ace, and the bullpen is mediocre.
That's hardly a recipe for success and it feels like the team should be preparing for next season. However, MLB insider Mark Feinsand had some encouraging words for Braves fans as he analyzed why Atlanta will not be sellers this year.
MLB insider Mark Feinsand provides positive outlook on the Braves postseason chances
Feinsand first points to the Braves having experience in this position as they were seven games back of the Mets in 2022 with just 50 games left to play. Atlanta went on to win the NL East that season. Now, this team could easily do the same but winning the division would require the Mets to continue their free fall and the Phillies to slump badly.
At this point, the Braves need to just hope for a Wild Card spot. AA has been able to find ways to improve the team at the trade deadline, and he knows there's still a chance. Feinsand points to the fact that Atlanta hasn't missed the postseason since Anthopoulos joined the organization in 2017.
If you were to guess right now, do you think the Braves will make the Postseason? #MLBCentral pic.twitter.com/g4xg9nu77e
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) June 15, 2025
Furthermore, Feinsand presents the question, who would the Braves trade anyhow? AA has openly stated that Chris Sale will not be traded and also committed to not moving players with contracts beyond this season.
That leaves very few options to part with at the deadline to make a massive impact if the team were to sell. Marcell Ozuna and Raisel Iglesias are in the final years of their contracts. So they are the two most likely trade chips. The only problem? Iglesias has been a shell of himself and the same goes for Ozuna due to the issues with his hip.
Ozuna does feel like the player that contenders will inquire about most. He still has value due to his past success and his ability to be a leader in the clubhouse. Sean Murphy has been tossed around loosely as one of the few players under team control who could be weighed as a bargaining chip.
Drake Baldwin has impressed a lot of folks but don't expect Atlanta to just get rid of Murphy for a pack of peanuts. The return would have to be massive and the Braves like to have a good catching tandem. This feels like a long shot but AA has said in the past he will consider anything.
Feinsand closed with who the Braves are chasing in the playoff race and a real doubt those teams are that much better than Atlanta. He stated, "The Brewers, Cardinals, and Reds are having nice seasons, but it remains to be seen whether any of them make big moves to bolster their rosters. Ditto for the Padres, Giants, and Diamondbacks, who may wind up fighting for a Wild Card berth with the Dodgers primed to win another NL West crown."
The only teams he sees as locks in the NL are the Phillies, Mets, Dodgers, and Cubs. The other teams mentioned don't really strike fear into the hearts of anyone.
A lot has to go right for the Braves to get where they want to go but all they need to control is what they can control. They have to start winning games more consistently if they have any hope of turning things around.