Once the 2023 MLB season came to a close, everyone turned their attention to Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The Los Angeles Dodgers ended up spending $1 billion on these two players hypnotizing most into thinking they are the favorites to win the 2024 World Series.
Atlanta Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos, in typical AA fashion, made moves that helped fill the teams needs without breaking the bank. Then he pulled a rabbit out of his hat by trading for Chris Sale to improve Atlanta's starting rotation. According to MLB analyst Eduardo Perez, this move allowed the Braves to keep their edge over the Dodgers. When discussing the Braves following this deal, Perez spoke highly of Atlanta's new-look rotation.
"They're better than the Dodgers with Shohei Ohtani."
— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) January 2, 2024
After trading for seven-time All-Star Chris Sale, @PerezEd is confident that the National League still runs through Atlanta. @Braves | #Braves | #HotStove pic.twitter.com/rZssTdgRTF
"You have four completely different dominating looks in that staff when healthy," said Perez. This quote is referring to Spencer Strider, Max Fried, Charlie Morton, and now Chris Sale. Bryce Elder will likely be the fifth starter in the rotation but lacks "dominating stuff" for the time being.
It is also worth noting that with the current starting rotation the Atlanta Braves possess, all five arms have made an All-Star game appearance. That is something not many, if any teams can claim.
Aside from having a better starting rotation, Perez went on to compare the offenses of the Braves and Dodgers saying "They're better than the Dodgers with Shohei Ohtani in that lineup."
The Atlanta Braves were undoubtedly the best offense in baseball in 2023 and are returning all of their position players except for left field which was split between Eddie Rosario and Kevin Pillar.
The big paychecks and Hollywood lights have seemed to rope in all of the attention and love from baseball analysts, writers, and reporters. There is no doubt the Dodgers have improved and will be a force to be reckoned with in 2024. However, Perez has reminded us that the Atlanta Braves have improved themselves and as of right now are still the best team in the National League.
The 2024 MLB Power Rankings were recently released and those also had the Braves as the number one team in baseball as we prepare for the season which is just a few months away.