The Atlanta Braves aren't the regular season juggernaut in 2024 that they were in years past. But none of that matters once the postseason begins.
In 2021, the Braves proved as much, running the table in the playoffs despite having the worst record of any division winner in the league that year. After winning a World Series without Ronald Acuña Jr. then, the Braves are looking to duplicate that success now.
At the trade deadline, the Braves didn't add too many marquee names. They brought back Jorge Soler after absorbing the remainder of his three-year contract signed with the San Francisco Giants but neglected to add any starting pitchers.
After a recent streak of injuries to that starting rotation, it appears the Braves are content to ride or die with their current group. And according to one insider, that decision will be what makes or breaks the Braves' season.
Mark Bowman, the Braves beat reporter for MLB.com, said on Friday that getting to the playoffs with all three of their All-Star starting pitchers healthy will be the key to determining whether Atlanta can hoist another trophy.
"They will be legit World Series threats if they reach the playoffs with Chris Sale, (Max) Fried and (Reynaldo) López healthy," Bowman said.
Though all three of those starters represented the Braves in Arlington at the midsummer classic, only Sale is healthy right now. Fried is recovering from left forearm neuritis and is on the 15-day injured list, while López is day-to-day with right forearm tightness.
Bowman also said that Atlanta will be careful with rookie Spencer Schwellenbach, who has pitched well for the Braves of late but hasn't worked a full season as a starting pitcher since he was in high school.
It's a talented group the Braves have assembled, rounded out by 40-year-old playoff veteran Charlie Morton. But the injury questions are numerous, and it was bold of the Braves not to add another body at the trade deadline.
In a wide-open MLB playoff format, anything can happen. But if the Braves are going to make noise in October, they'll need their big guns locked and loaded. Health down the stretch will be critical as Atlanta attempts to solidify its spot in the postseason.
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