The Atlanta Braves were ravished by injuries last season.

Atlanta lost many key players, both in the lineup and rotation, but still made a run to the playoffs before being swept in the Wild Card round. This season, the Braves will be without some big names until the middle of May but at full strength, this is a team that is looking to return to the top of the National League.

Ronald Acuna Jr. leads the way. He suffered a torn ACL last season and is expected to miss the first two months before making his return. Acuna is one of the most dynamic players in the league and his return will take the Braves to the next level right away. In the rotation, Spencer Strider was shut down last season and is expected to return in April.

With Strider back in the rotation, the Braves have one of the best in baseball. Chris Sale returned to Cy Young-caliber form last season while Spencer Schwellenbach turned into one of the top young arms in the National League. Max Fried is now with the New York Yankees but the rotation remains deep at full strength. Raisel Iglesias turned in 34 saves last season and is entering the final year of his contract. He had one of the better seasons of his career last year.

The corners for the Braves are as good and as durable as ever. Matt Olson has played all 162 games for the past three years in a Braves’ uniform. He had a down year by his standards last season but remains a threat who hit 50+ home run in 2023. Austin Riley was signed long term after showing that he is a blossoming star in the league. At the catcher position, Sean Murphy will take over for Travis D’Arnaud, who left in free agency.

2025 Atlanta Braves Season Preview

Major Additions: Jurickson Profar, Bryan De La Cruz, Aaron Brummer

Key Losses: Max Fried, Charlie Morton, A.J. Minter, Gio Urshela

Potential Lineup

1. Jurickson Profar, OF (Ronald Acuna Jr. when return)
2. Austin Riley, 3B
3. Matt Olson, 1B
4. Marcell Ozuna, DH
5. Ozzie Albies, 2B
6. Michael Harris, OF
7. Sean Murphy, C
8. Jarred Kelenic, OF
9. Orlando Arcia, SS

Potential Rotation

• Spencer Strider (when healthy)
• Chris Sale
• Spencer Schwellenbach
• Reynaldo Lopez
• Ian Anderson

Record Prediction

The NL East is expected to be one of the top divisions in baseball. The Philadelphia Phillies will be back to defend their division title while the Juan Soto-led New York Mets are also on the scene following an NLCS appearance. At full strength, the Braves are expected to fight for a title and enter the postseason for the eighth consecutive season.

Final Record: 93-69