Atlanta Braves Halloween: 3 scary realistic scenarios for Braves in 2024
We like to stay optimistic. However, we also recognize the fact that failure and let downs are always a possibility. On Halloween, we take a look at the three biggest nightmares the Braves could face in 2024.
Starting Pitching Could Collapse
We probably sound like a broken record at this point but the Atlanta Braves pitching staff is their biggest question mark. With the inconsistency between starters and relievers to end the 2023 season, we have no idea what to expect for 2024.
What we do know is that Kyle Wright will miss all of the 2024 season due to shoulder issues. Charlie Morton very well could announce his retirement this off-season. Bryce Elder is not the quality starter he was in the first half of 2023. With all of this considered, starting pitching could be the downfall for the Braves next season.
Alex Anthopoulos could consider signing frontline starting pitching but AA has not exactly been known to spend a lot of money on free agents. He could also contemplate trades but who would he have to give up to get the help the Braves need and would it truly be worth it?
Braves Could Have Division Title Streak Snapped
The Atlanta Braves have now won six consecutive divisional titles. 2024 could be the year that sees that streak snapped. Atlanta should still be the favorites to win the NL East but they will have much heavier competition than this past season, especially if starting pitching does in fact struggle.
The Philadelphia Phillies finished in 2nd place in the NL East this past year at a whopping 14 games behind the Braves. It was not until late in the season when the Phillies started clicking. A struggling Trea Turner returned to all-star form and it ignited the Philadelphia offense. With Rhys Hoskins coming back from injury in 2024 and the Phillies making consistent deep runs into the playoffs, they very well could end Atlanta’s streak of NL East championships.
Bottom of Braves Lineup Struggles
One of the aspects that made the Atlanta Braves so dangerous during the regular season was the fact that 1-9 in the batting order was wreaking havoc. This included Orlando Arcia who was an all-star and is expected to be the Braves starting shortstop in 2024.
Arcia fell off at the end of the season and created question of what he can be in 2024. He had a phenomenal first half of the season in 2023 and we will not take that away from him. Unfortunately, that is not the pace anyone expects him to have over a 162 game stretch.
Michael Harris II is also at the bottom of the order and can be really streaky. Harris is one of the best defensive center fielders in the league but his bat could use some improvement at times.
Whoever played left field for the Braves in 2023 was typically at the bottom of the order (7, 8 or 9) as well. The Braves should prepare to enter 2024 without Kevin Pillar and possibly Eddie Rosario, should they choose to decline his option.
Obviously, if these three spots do not get on base for the top of the order we could see a lot less runs from the Braves offense next season.
These are hypotheticals but are fairly realistic. The good news for Braves fans is that Atlanta has been doubted for the last six seasons and has continued to rise to the occasion. We hope 2024 to be no different but we always want to recognize that perfection is not sustainable or even realistic. Hopefully some of these tricky scenarios turn into a treat!