{"id":34232,"date":"2020-07-14T07:00:02","date_gmt":"2020-07-14T11:00:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonbaseball.com\/?p=34232"},"modified":"2020-07-14T02:17:07","modified_gmt":"2020-07-14T06:17:07","slug":"atlanta-braves-season-preview-2020","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2020\/07\/14\/atlanta-braves-season-preview-2020\/","title":{"rendered":"Atlanta Braves Season Preview 2020"},"content":{"rendered":"

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this 2020 MLB season will be unlike any other. The shortened 60-game season will consist of new rule changes and safety protocols. The most notable rule changes are the adoption of the universal designated hitter and placement of a runner on second base<\/a> to start every half-inning in extras. Also, rosters will expand to 30 players for the first two weeks of the season. Then, rosters decrease to 28 players for two weeks, and then to 26 players for the rest of the season.<\/p>\n

Despite the uniqueness and challenges this season will entail, the Atlanta Braves<\/a> will look to finally get over the postseason hump by winning their first World Series title since 1995. Last season ended prematurely for the Braves liking after being eliminated by the St. Louis Cardinals<\/a> in the NLDS, but they believe this was only the beginning of a long run of success.<\/p>\n

Atlanta Braves Season Preview 2020<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Offseason Review<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Although the Braves lost third baseman Josh Donaldson<\/a><\/strong> to the Minnesota Twins<\/a>, they filled his vacant spot in the lineup with the signing of outfielder Marcell Ozuna<\/a><\/strong>. Ozuna played with the Cardinals in 2019 and finished the season with a .243 average, 29 home runs, and 89 RBI. The .243 average was the worst of his career, but considering Ozuna’s .272 lifetime average, the Braves expect him to return to that production.<\/p>\n

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Marcell Ozuna was a thorn in the Braves side in the 2019 NLDS. He finished the series with a .429 average, two home runs, and five RBI. Atlanta signed Ozuna to one-year, $18 million contract this offseason. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Braves lost Julio Teheran<\/a><\/strong> and Dallas Keuchel<\/a><\/strong> this offseason, but the signing of Cole Hamels<\/a> <\/strong>adds a stable veteran starter to complement the young arms of Mike Soroka<\/strong><\/a> and Max Fried<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Atlanta shored up their bullpen by agreeing to terms with relievers Chris Martin<\/a><\/strong>, Will Smith<\/a><\/strong>, and Darren O’Day<\/a><\/strong>. In addition, they signed catcher Travis d’Arnaud<\/strong> <\/a>and retained veteran outfielder Nick Markakis<\/a><\/strong> (who is opting out<\/a> of the 2020 season), utility man Charlie Culberson<\/a><\/strong>, infielder Adeiny Hechavarr\u00ed<\/b>a<\/strong><\/a>, and catcher Tyler Flowers<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Lineup<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Donaldson might not be featured in the lineup anymore, but the Braves are relying on their young core to generate offensive production \u2014 especially the dynamic duo of Ronald Acu\u00f1a Jr.<\/strong><\/a> and Ozzie Albies<\/strong><\/a>. And don’t forget about MVP candidate Freddie Freeman<\/a> <\/strong>and newly signed Ozuna. Considering that Ozuna will bat cleanup behind Acu\u00f1a, Albies, and Freeman, he should have an abundance of chances to hit with runners on base.<\/p>\n

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The @Braves<\/a>‘ lineup is going to be a problem. ? Atlanta Braves Season Preview Atlanta Braves Season Preview pic.twitter.com\/L8p55PWIvT\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 MLB (@MLB) January 24, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n