Atlanta would probably prefer to avoid the Baltimore Orioles in the World Series if they get that far
It wouldn't be right to not at least look at some potential World Series matchups and see who the Braves would rather avoid. Once one gets to this point, you know with absolute certainty that you are up against a really good team that has been battle-tested and no matchup is likely to be easy. However, the Orioles are one of those teams that if they make it that far, could be a real problem.
Their pitching staff is not scary which is good news when you have an offense as good as Atlanta's, but man is their young position player core good. Adley Rutschman looks like he is going to be a stud for years to come and Gunnar Henderson is putting the league on notice with the rookie year he is putting up. The Orioles are just loaded with guys who can change a game with one swing of the bat and that makes them dangerous.
There is an intangible quality to consider here as well. While youth can often lead to players being nervous when under the bright lights, this Orioles team doesn't seem scared of anyone at any time. Perhaps they are just too young to know any better. They certainly weren't afraid of the Braves when Atlanta squeaked out a close 2-1 series win earlier this season.
Most importantly, the Orioles are just the best team in the American League right now which makes them the toughest potential opponent in the World Series. The Rays have been very uneven in 2023, although they look unstoppable when they get on a roll. The rest of the likely AL playoff teams have some real warts to overcome to even make a deep playoff run. The Braves should hope to get to the World Series and face one of those teams instead of a young, talented, and dangerous Baltimore squad.