In 2023, the Atlanta Braves led the league in runs, hits, RBI, HRs, average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and OPS... to name a few.
After eight games in 2024, they are right back at the top of some key offensive numbers. They flexed their offensive muscles this weekend against the Diamondbacks. Their 13 homers are just two behind the league-leading Dodgers. However, the Dodgers have played 12 games compared to the Braves eight.
The Braves have a team average of .300, which is tops in all of baseball. Their .354 OBP is currently fourth in the MLB. Atlanta's .532 slugging percentage outpaces the next-closest team by a wide margin. The Texas Rangers and the Los Angeles Dodgers are tied for second-best slugging percentage with a puny .450.
The Braves are 6-2 and on top of the NL East. They have been led by the hot bats of Orlando Arcia, Michael Harris II, Matt Olson, and Marcell Ozuna. All four of those guys are hitting over .300.Jarred Kelenic has 11 hits in 19 at-bats so far this season.
Ozuna already has more homers in eight games than he had hits in all of April 2023!
BIG BEAR WITH *ANOTHER* BIG FLY‼️ pic.twitter.com/3KXNwjy8sM
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) April 7, 2024
The scary part is that this team isn't even clicking on all cylinders. The reigning NL MVP has the lowest batting average of the regulars, hasn't hit a homer yet, and hasn't even stolen a base since Opening Day. Ronald Acuna Jr. also has a team-worst 13 strikeouts. When the MVP gets it going, the Braves are going to be even more dangerous.
The offense is so deep when guys like Arcia and Kelenic excel in the back half of the lineup. Their bats are a huge reason the Braves have been able to overcome some starting pitching issues at the top of the rotation and continue to win ballgames on the power of their offense (and some help from their stellar bullpen!)
This post is simply to serve as a notice that the Braves offense has picked up right where it left off last season. MLB beware for when Acuna gets it going.