The Atlanta Braves have captured six consecutive NL East championships dating back to 2018. Atlanta’s consistent winning ways can be viewed as a direct result of consistent play by the same individuals.
More than any other team in Major League Baseball, the Atlanta Braves roll out the same starting lineup almost every game barring injury or unforeseen circumstances. There is actual data to back this up. Buster Onley shared an astonishing statistic related to “load management” or for Atlanta, the lack thereof.
From @SlangsOnSports, about the Braves' culture of playing every game: Since 2017, Brian Snitker's first year as manager, the number of individuals who've played 155+ games in a season...
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) April 21, 2024
ATL 20
PHI 11
SEA 11
SDP 10
TOR 10
KCR 10
Fewest:
PIT 3
BOS 3
SFG 2
MIN 1
TBR 1
MIL 0 [Max…
Since Brian Snitker has taken the reins as skipper in Atlanta, 20 different players have played 155+ games in a 162-game season. This number would likely be even higher if the Covid pandemic had not shortened the 2020 season.
Atlanta leads this category tremendously, with their NL East rivals the Philadelphia Phillies having 11 players fit this criteria since 2017. In fact, there are only five other big league teams besides the Braves that have double digit players in this category. There are a few different lenses in which this can be viewed but we like to identify it as a sign of success.
Some may think that Brian Snitker is overworking his players and they need more days off throughout the regular season. However, the Braves are built a little differently. Atlanta is full of young talent that has the stamina and health to perform at a high level for the entirety of a season.
Atlanta is known for having a great clubhouse culture and having players who work hard to give their best each and every day. There is accountability at every level and being on the field consistently is at the top of that list.
This Iron Man-like consistency also shows that players within the Braves organization want to take the field every chance they get. We live in an age where players will request off days if they just feel like they need rest. This is something players like Matt Olson, Ronald Acuna Jr, Ozzie Albies, and Austin Riley will rarely ask for. Every one of these guys wants to take the field and compete day in and day out.
Matt Olson, in particular, has played in over 400 consecutive games without taking a day off.
The Braves are seeking a 7th consecutive division title and wish to break their first-round playoff curse in 2024. They will attack these tasks at hand with the same lineup for majority of the season unless unfortunate injury concerns arise. Atlanta means business and the "Braves way" is a recipe for success.