Atlanta Braves: 2 NLDS Matchups if Postseason Started Today

Breaking down the Atlanta Braves' potential pathways through the postseason. Analyzing which two teams the Braves would face in the NLDS and which one would be a better matchup for Atlanta.

Atlanta Braves v Philadelphia Phillies - Game One
Atlanta Braves v Philadelphia Phillies - Game One | Rich Schultz/GettyImages
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Atlanta Braves vs. Philadelphia Phillies - Offense

Trea Turne, Kyle Schwarber
Miami Marlins v Philadelphia Phillies | Rich Schultz/GettyImages

I might have put the cart before the horse in the introduction to the Phillies but Harper and Turner are clearly the stories on offense. Brandon Marsh has flourished since joining the Phillies last year. In 163 games with the Angels, he had an OPS+ of 81. In 160 games with Philadelphia, he has a 126 OPS+. That new uniform must have a different fit.

Eight of the Phillies' regulars have an OPS+ over 100. All nine of the Braves regulars are in excess of 100, but the Phillies stack up much better than the Cubs.

The Braves have a team OPS+ of 123. The Phillies have a team OPS+ of 108. The Phillies have a solid team OBP of .330, good for 7th in the MLB. However, the Braves lead the league in on-base percentage. These Braves do more than just slug homers!

The Braves have the sixth-fewest strikeouts in the league right now. Atlanta puts the ball in play a lot. This presents another advantage for the Bravos against the Phillies. Strider, Morton, and Fried all have strikeout-ability and the Phillies have struck out 1304 times (166 more than the Braves). The Braves pitchers can take advantage of the Phillies' propensity to swing and miss.

The Braves have outslugged the Phillies .501 to .440. At the end of the day, scoring runs is the most important thing in baseball. The Braves have scored 841 runs (1st in MLB, and it's not close) while the Phillies have scored 707.

If this Braves offense is clicking, nobody can shut them down. While I think it's clear that the Braves would prefer to face the Cubs in the NLDS, they can handle anybody. This is their year... again!

Also Read: 8 Reasons Acuna Should Win MVP Over Mookie Betts

3 Reasons Braves Should Avoid Cody Bellinger This Offseason

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