After losing a tough NLDS series to the division rival Phillies, the Atlanta Braves have high hopes in 2024. Six straight NL East division titles and a 2021 World Series victory over the Houston Astros. Despite this regular season dominance, the Braves have only made the NLCS twice and the World Series once in the last six seasons. We all know winning the World Series is one of the most difficult sports championships due to the 162-game season. However, this Braves team has the tools to win it all again. Let’s take a deeper look at some 2024 projections.
Betting Odds
Atlanta is projected to win 101.5 games in 2024. This is a massive number, but it is very doable. Remember, the Nationals are rebuilding; the Marlins don’t have Sandy Alcantara and the Mets will be improved with Edwin Diaz returning but shouldn’t compete for the NL East. Next, the Braves are -290 to win the NL East for a seventh straight season. All these factors mean that the Braves are the 2nd favorite at the World Series at +450 odds, only behind the Dodgers. Strictly for value, I like the Braves to win it all. If Shohei Ohtani gets injured or another one of the Dodgers stars misses extended time, they could easily miss out on the World Series. Watch out for the mighty bats of Atlanta and their deep starting rotation.
2024 Projections
According to my advanced analytical calculations, which I have been doing since 2020, I project the Atlanta Braves to finish 102-60. You can see how the rest of the league pans out, but this would put the Braves as the second seed behind the Dodgers in the NL. This gives Atlanta a first-round bye. These are just projections, but the division is a two-team race between the Braves and Phillies. The Phillies’ ceiling isn’t as high, but they can beat anybody.
Atlanta Braves Key Factors
When a team is this good, their biggest opponents are themselves. Staying healthy is the number one thing that could prevent the Braves from another World Series title. There are other factors, like teams, that seem unbeatable in the Dodgers, but hey, look at the D-backs from last year. They had 84 wins and limped into the playoffs, making it to the World Series. Baseball is unpredictable; any team that makes the playoffs can beat any other given team on any day. All it takes is one bad inning from your starter or one critical defensive blunder. Ultimately, if the Braves stay healthy, they are a lock for the postseason and will do damage in the postseason.
2023 Key Team Stats
Glancing at the 2023 team stats on mlb.com, you can see the Atlanta Braves’ dominance. They led the league in home runs, RBIs, runs, and batting average. 2024 should project the Braves among the league leaders in these same categories. Finishing with an MLB-best record of 104-58, the Braves fell short of their goal of winning a World Series. 2024 is a new year with new optimism behind this team.
Main Photo Credits: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
