Christmas is upon us, which means it’s time to make your annual Christmas wish list for the Atlanta Braves. It’s been a disappointing two years in Braves Country. Despite back-to-back 100-win seasons, the Braves couldn’t get going in October, falling to the Phillies in the NLDS twice in a row, which almost feels like a nightmare. However, I won’t let the past cloud my judgment of how great the Braves are set up for success now and in the future. This team doesn’t need wholesale changes, but Christmas wish lists are shooting stars, so that’s what I plan to do this year.
An Offense That Shows Up In October
The Braves offense has been the highlight of their team for the past two seasons, culminating this year where they have been literally one of the most explosive offenses in the history of the game. But when the lights were at their brightest, they looked a lot more like the Oakland Athletics. That has to be put down to the Phillies’ pitching staff, and some of it can also be attributed to the randomness of baseball. However, this lineup is too good to score less than three runs a game in situations of need. It’s time for them to show up when it counts or all their regular season success will be forgotten.
Ronald Acuña Jr. Extension
There really is no rush this offseason. Ronald Acuña Jr. isn’t a free agent until after the 2028 season, and I can understand why some might be hesitant to pay him right after the season. Acuña’s value is at its highest since a historic 2023 campaign, and his injury history has to be concerning to say the least. However, it’s Christmas and it’s not my wallet. I don’t even want to think about Acuña playing for another team during his career, and if they do it sooner, they can probably save some money. We hope that the bravest will leave a blank check under the Acuña tree for Christmas.
Ronald Acuña Jr. 50/50 season
Sure, 40/70 was great, but still some trolls tried to take away the achievement because of the new rules. Let’s end it all in 2024 with a new history. No one ever came close to 50/50, and Ronald Acuña Jr. has a real chance of doing so in the future. He has no problem reaching 50 assists again, but 50 home runs would be nine more than his current career high. However, there is no doubt that he has the power to make it happen, and the bar for Acuña has yet to be raised.
Another frontline starter
I’m not as concerned about the Braves rotation as some others. The front three of Max Fried, Spencer Strider and Charlie Morton are as good as any. Bryce Elder was elite for half of last year and could build on that. AJ Smith-Shawver and Hurston Waldrep have shown plenty of promise and Ian Anderson and Huascar Ynoa should not be forgotten. I’m sure this group will get the job done, especially if the offense ends up making a postseason splash. That said, you can never have enough pitches, and the Braves have announced that they are looking for a new front-line starter. They have made serious progress on Aaron Nola and have been involved in trade talks with several prospects. Eventually something should happen, but patience runs out and it’s Christmas. Adding another front-line starter to this lineup would make the Braves a formidable prospect for teams in October because they can win behind their offense or some of the best pitchers in baseball.
Ten Straight Division titles
In most sports, the championship is the only thing that matters. Baseball has it, but I would argue that thinking that way just makes you crazy. The randomness of the postseason is unparalleled, making it possible to win a World Series year after year like we see in basketball or football. Winning the regular season and winning the division is the true mark of the best teams, and the Braves have done it six years in a row. Let’s make it ten, and then I’ll break the Braves’ own MLB record of 14 straight wins. The NL East is going through Atlanta and everyone should be proud of that. Fans of other teams in the division might try to write off the dominance the Braves have shown over the last three decades, but that’s jealousy. They have no idea how much success Atlanta has had and I want to put their faces in it for at least four more seasons.
Andrew Jones in the Hall of Fame
What are we doing here? MLB Hall of Fame goaltenders need to get a life. Andruw Jones is the best defensive midfielder in the history of the game. If someone is the best at something, they belong in Cooperstown forever. Oh, and he also hit 434 home runs, most of which came before he turned 31. For 10 years, Jones was as good an all-around player as anyone. That he had to wait this long is insane. Hopefully that will change in 2024.