Braves 2020 Season Preview
Ready to check out our 2020 Atlanta Braves predictions? The Braves have one of the best young players in the game in Ronald Acuna. They also won the division last season, not Washington, so counting them out will come at a price.
MLB Braves Predictions & Handicapping Insight
Atlanta might not have the rotation depth of the Nats but when it comes to the lineup they are in really great shape. If they can get the starting pitching figured out this team could be elite.
Also, this is going to be a shortened season so their bullpen could be even more valuable. There are some veteran arms that could be really good and pitched til their arm falls off.
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There is no burning story about Atlanta right now and I think that could create some value for this team. The offense should be really good again.
2020 MLB Team Previews – Atlanta Braves
- Atlanta Braves 2020 National League East Odds: +225
- Braves 2020 National League Odds: +700
- Braves 2020 World Series Odds: +1600
Key Additions:
- Marcell Ozuna
- Felix Hernandez
- Will Smith
- Cole Hamels
Ozuna will be looked upon to replace a lot of the production that walked when Josh Donaldson left as a free agent. That might be a little unfair but if he bats clean up for the season there is no reason not to expect 30/100.
Felix Hernandez is no longer “The King”. Atlanta does not need him to be but they are hopeful he can take the ball every fifth day and give them five decent innings.
Based on what we have seen of late even that might be a little too much to ask.
Will Smith comes across country from San Francisco. He was effective for the Giants and might be part of a lefty/right closer duo with former Giant teammate Mark Melancon. Hamels was picked up to contribute in the middle of the rotation. A later season start might mean he doesn’t miss any real time.
Key Losses:
- Josh Donaldson
- Dallas Keuchel
Keuchel did not offer a ton last season but Josh Donaldson proved the value of getting players who are highly motivated…and skilled of course.
2020 Atlanta Braves Predictions: Projected Lineup:
- Ronald Acuna Jr, OF
- Ozzie Albies, 2B
- Freddie Freeman, 1B
- Marcell Ozuna, OF
- Travis d’Arnaud, C
- Ender Inciarte, OF
- Dansby Swanson, SS
- Johan Camargo, 3B
The top three of that lineup is as good as any in the league and in the case of Acuna and Albies you can make an argument that there is still some room to grow.
d’Arnaud should be a big improvement from what they have gotten from the catcher position lately, probably on both sides of the dish. Ozuna will have the opportunity to lead the league in RBI’s if he has a strong season.
There is enough in this lineup to be where they want to be and they have some depth too.
2020 Atlanta Braves Predictions: Projected Rotation:
- Mike Soroka
- Max Fried
- Mike Foltynewicz
- Sean Newcomb
- Felix Hernandez
Soroka is an ace type talent and he showed that last season but you have to worry where the innings are going to come from with this group.
Not listed above because is he hurt is Cole Hamels. When healthy he probably slots as a #2 and that makes this group look much better.
It would make me feel a lot better if I was getting a Hernandez who could at least be an innings eater. The last time he threw at least 160 innings was back in 2015.
2020 Atlanta Braves Predictions: Projected Closer:
- Mark Melancon/Will Smith
This could be a very effective lefty-righty combo. The rules have changed so they might not be able to use this duo the way they would have in the past but I still see it as being very effective.
Deep Thoughts
This is going to be a good team this season. Those 91 wins are probably good enough for the Wild Card and it would not surprise me if they took the division again.
The toughest part to forecast about Atlanta is the pitching. Soroka looks great but there is not much of a track record there and Folty has shown he is certainly no lock.
2020 Atlanta Braves Predictions: 91 Wins and second in the NL East (Bet Now at any of our reviewed MLB Sportsbooks!)
There is a lot to like about that lineup though and it could carry them. If the season is shortened 40/40 might be a stretch for Acuna but he is an MVP candidate for sure. Maybe this is a year that Swanson really busts out.
Being better at catcher could make a lot of difference too. It was nice to see Brian McCann back in a Braves uniform but it was clear that he was not able to give them what they needed.
The NL East was a good division last season and should be really good again. That is why the Braves need to be as good or better if they want to compete. Other than the Marlins there are no easy marks on the schedule.
What do you think of our 2020 Atlanta Braves predictions? Comments are welcome below.
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