The Atlanta Braves look to be once again, the team Washington will compete against for the division. Will this year be different?
Atlanta Braves 2019 record: 97-65. Won NLDS
Washington’s record vs. Atlanta last season: 8-11
Atlanta added/re-signed: Will Smith, Travis d’Arnaud, Cole Hamels, Chris Martin, Nick Markakis, Tyler Flowers, Darren O’Day, Charlie Culberson.
Atlanta lost: Josh Donaldson, Dallas Keuchel, Anthony Swarzak, Josh Tomlin, Billy Hamilton, Julio Teheran, Jerry Blevins, Fransisco Cervelli, Adeiny Hechavarria.
The Rundown
The Braves built on their successful 2018 season and won the division for the second straight year. Heading into the off-season after an ugly game five loss to the St. Louis Cardinals, Atlanta’s biggest hole was the bullpen. Even though the bullpen was eleventh in the league in ERA (4.18) the team had problems locking down the ninth. Atlanta rotated through multiple closers before finally landing on Mark Melancon. Despite Melancon showing promise, the Braves went out and added one of the best relievers on the open market in Will Smith to a three year deal. Last season Smith had a 2.76 ERA and was 34/38 in save opportunities. Atlanta also brought back Chris Martin and Darren O’Day to go along Melancon and Shane Greene. Now the Braves arguably have the best bullpen in the NL East.
Atlanta lost a crucial member of the lineup in Josh Donaldson. On January 14, he signed a four year deal worth 92 million with the Minnesota Twins. In 2019, Donaldson hit .259, with 37 homers, and 94 RBI’s. He also played gold glove caliber defense. Baring a blockbuster trade for Nolan Arenado or Kris Bryant, the Braves will platoon Austin Riley and Johan Camargo at third. Riley had a torrid start to his rookie season before falling off. In 15 games played in May, he hit .356, with seven homers, and 20 RBI’s. However opposing pitching found out how to deal with him and his numbers plummeted. Riley finished the season hitting .226, with 18 home runs, and 49 RBI’s. Now if Riley can replicate his hot start, then the Braves will be in good shape. However, that might not be the case.
It will be up to the offensive core of Ronald Acuna Jr., Ozzie Albies, Dansby Swanson, Nick Markakis, and Freddie Freeman to carry the load. The offense will only go as far as those five will carry them.
Nationals to Watch
With the departure of Anthony Rendon, all eyes will be on the young phenom Juan Soto to carry the offense. Last season Soto hit .282, with 34 homers, and 110 RBI’s. Without Rendon in the line up the Nats will need to find a way to protect Soto. Washington may have Howie Kendrick hit third when he plays to put another top bat in front. This will allow for Soto to have more opportunities to bat with a runner on. The Nats should look at protecting Soto by batting Eric Thames fifth when he plays. This way Soto won’t be walked as much.
In his young career, Soto has solid numbers against the current Braves pitchers. In 70 at bats against the current Braves pitchers, he is hitting .314, with six homers, 14 RBI’s, and 19 walks. Luckily for Washington, the pitcher Soto continues to haunt is the Braves ace, Mike Soroka. Soto is five for nine with two home runs against the righty.
2020 Series Prediction
June 9-11 @ Atlanta
June 19-21 in D.C.
July 24-26 in D.C.
July 31-Aug 2 @ Atlanta
September 1-3 in D.C.
September 21-24 @ Atlanta
Both teams lost their slugging third baseman and improved their bullpens. The Nats have the advantage in starting pitching, while both teams will need to show their plan B at third base works out. Both teams seem even and the series will prove so.
Prediction: Nats win season series 10-9