MLB's first power rankings of 2024 prove Braves still have upper hand on expensive Dodgers
Despite the Dodgers having committed over $1 billion in contracts, the Braves open the season as favorites.
By Gaurav Vedak
With the Braves roster now at 26, with two players joining the injured list upon the start of the season, it is now safe to say the roster is set and now the rest of Spring Training will be dedicated to working specific things out as the players begin the arduous 162 game season.
Recently, MLB Network tweeted out their first power rankings of the season and while it's not really a surprise, especially with the off-season the Dodgers had, it is news to some that the Braves sit at the top of the list.
MLB's first power rankings prove Braves still have upper hand on Dodgers
The first power rankings of the 2024 season! 📝 pic.twitter.com/kNFo0PLSeT
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) March 18, 2024
The further development of Spencer Strider, coupled with the health of Max Fried and Charlie Morton created a great foundation in a rotation that suffered through a litany of injuries. The signing of Reynaldo Lopez and Chris Sale offers the Braves a pair of wildcards that could round out a very good starting rotation with great strikeout numbers. Add to that a re-designed bullpen, with a lot of healthy left-handed help that wasn't there last year, and you have the makings of one of the top pitching staffs in the entire league.
Combine the pitching staff with a historic offense, filled with players that haven't even really hit the average age associated with the prime of careers, and you have the makings of another historic season. Atlanta's team is much more complete than the Dodgers so it's no surprise they topped the first power rankings.
How the team competes throughout the season remains to be seen, but on paper, this is one of the strongest rosters the franchise has ever put together. The only positions that people will be monitoring strongly will be left field, which was just helped with the signing of Adam Duvall, and shortstop - especially after Orlando Arcia was hit on the hand with a 96 MPH fastball in a game just a couple of days ago.
The Braves have a great rotation and lineup and will kick off the season strong as Spencer Strider was named the Opening Day starter recently and will face off against Zach Wheeler on March 28 at 3:05 PM EST.
There is a lot to like about the Atlanta Braves this year, and with that comes lofty expectations, so it's time to buckle in and let the season play out!
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