It’s remarkable how quickly we overlook the similarities between the 2023 Braves and the 2024 squad at this juncture of the season. Despite being swept by the Dodgers in Los Angeles, the Atlanta Braves hold a respectable 20-12 record, marking a significant portion of the 2024 season completed.
Setting aside the NL East division standings momentarily, there are striking parallels between where the 2023 Braves found themselves after a Cinco de Mayo loss last year and the current position of the 2024 Braves after a similar defeat this year.
Last year, Max Fried endured a loss against the Baltimore Orioles, and a year later, he faced a similar outcome, albeit under different circumstances. The starting lineup from both seasons reveals notable changes in performance and roster composition.
Reflecting on the offensive lineup from both seasons, there are evident differences in individual performances and roster dynamics. However, comparisons reveal areas of improvement and challenges faced by the team.
After that loss, here’s where the rest of the line-up stood coming into May 6, 2023:
- Ronald Acuna, Jr. (RF) .352/.444/.578
- Matt Olson (1B) .244/.364/.520
- Austin Riley (3B) .256/.345/.432
- Sean Murphy (C) .296/.439/.653
- Eddie Rosario (LF) .247/.293/.419
- Ozzie Albies (2B) .295/.333/.574
- Marcell Ozuna (DH) .147/.256/.360
- Sam Hilliard (CF) .266/.329/.484
- Braden Shewmake (SS) .000/.000/.000
Jumping into present-day, here’s yesterday’s starting line-up after they dropped the final game of the Dodgers series:
- Ronald Acuna, Jr. (RF) .268/.376/.362
- Ozzie Albies (2B) .297/.355/.446
- Austin Riley (3B) .237/.310/.397
- Matt Olson (1B) .197/.317/.359
- Marcell Ozuna (DH) .306/.382/.603
- Orlando Arcia (SS) .271/.294/.407
- Michell Harris II (CF) .271/.309/.403
- Adam Duvall (LF) .220/.298/.380
- Chadwick Tromp (C) .219/.235/.313
Despite statistical struggles, there are promising signs for the Braves’ offense, as indicated by metrics such as Hard Hit % and Exit Velocity. Although the team’s slugging is down, leading metrics suggest potential offensive potency for the Braves.
While the current standings may differ from the previous season, there remains optimism for the Braves to navigate the remainder of the 2024 campaign successfully. Despite challenges, underlying reasons for optimism persist for the Braves’ offense.
As the season progresses, the Braves aim to capitalize on their strengths while addressing areas for improvement. Despite initial setbacks, the Braves’ adherence to their process and positive indicators suggest a potential upward trend in the near future.