The Biggest Questions Facing the Atlanta Braves in 2025
Spring training is over, and with just a day before Opening Day, excitement is building. The Atlanta Braves boast a roster that can compete with the National League’s best, but they aren’t guaranteed dominance in the NL East. The team has made last-minute roster moves, even pulling off a trade with the Angels, yet their 2025 season remains unpredictable. While they have the talent to make a deep run, several pressing questions need answers.
Can the Bullpen Hold Strong?
The biggest area of uncertainty for the Braves is their bullpen. While Iglesias, Lee, Bummer, and Johnson are reliable arms, the depth beyond them is questionable. The front office had hoped to land a high-impact reliever like Tanner Scott, but he ended up with the Dodgers.
Instead, GM Alex Anthopoulos turned to veteran arms looking for a rebound. Atlanta is banking on at least a few of Daysbel Hernandez, Hector Neris, Craig Kimbrel, and Enyel De Los Santos stepping up. If they falter or injuries hit the top four, the Braves may be forced to make a mid-season trade for reinforcements.
How Will Acuña Jr. and Strider Perform After Injury?
The Braves will begin 2025 without two of their biggest stars: Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider. Both missed much of 2024, and their form upon return will be crucial.
Strider has looked solid in limited spring action, but can he return to his dominant strikeout form? Acuña Jr., coming off his second ACL injury, may have to adjust his aggressive style of play. If they regain their elite form, Atlanta’s chances of making a deep playoff run improve significantly. If not, they may struggle to keep pace in a tough National League.
Can Tim Hyers Revive the Offense?
For the first time in a decade, the Braves have a new hitting coach. Tim Hyers takes over an offense that was historic in 2023 but regressed in 2024. His challenge? Making the lineup more consistent when the home runs aren’t coming.
Players like Michael Harris II and Ozzie Albies need to improve their plate discipline, while Orlando Arcia must find his swing again. Hyers can’t step into the batter’s box, but his influence will be tested early. If the lineup buys into his approach, the Braves could reclaim their offensive dominance.
Who Stabilizes the Rotation?
With Strider out and both Max Fried and Charlie Morton gone, the Braves have two uncertain rotation spots. Grant Holmes and top prospect AJ Smith-Shawver will get the first shot.
Holmes impressed in 2024, earning trust for a rotation spot, while Smith-Shawver, now healthy, is finally ready to contribute. Can they hold down the back end, or will Atlanta regret not signing another starter in the offseason?
Can the Braves Stay Healthy?
Perhaps the biggest question is whether Atlanta can avoid the injuries that have plagued them in recent years. The past few seasons have been defined by key absences, especially in the rotation, leading to early playoff exits.
The offense also struggled with injuries last postseason, derailing their championship hopes. If the Braves can stay healthy, their talent level makes them a legitimate title contender. If not, 2025 could bring another frustrating finish.
Leave a Reply