After seven straight playoff appearances, including a 2021 World Series title, the Atlanta Braves entered spring training with championship aspirations. However, just days into camp and before the first full-squad workout the team has already been dealt a tough blow.
Following a second-place finish in the NL East in 2024, trailing the Phillies by six games, Atlanta suffered an early playoff exit at the hands of the Padres in the Wild Card round. This marked a disappointing end to a season that snapped their six-year division-winning streak though it still fell short of their record 11 straight NL East crowns from 1995 to 2005.
Braves Seeking Rare World Series Glory
Despite their storied history, the Braves have only four World Series titles since adopting their name in 1912. Their most recent triumph came in 2021, with prior victories in 1995 (Atlanta), 1957 (Milwaukee), and 1914 (Boston). That 1914 squad, known as the “Miracle Braves,” went from last place in July to sweeping the Philadelphia Athletics in the Fall Classic.
Now, 111 years later, the Braves are chasing another championship, but they’ll have to start their journey without two of their biggest stars: reigning NL MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. and ace pitcher Spencer Strider.
Acuña Jr. and Strider Set to Miss Opening Day
Strider, MLB’s last 20-game winner (20-5 in 2023), saw his 2024 campaign cut short after just one start due to a torn UCL, which required elbow surgery. As the 2025 season approaches, he remains in recovery.
Acuña, who led the NL with a 1.012 OPS in 2023, suffered a torn ACL in his left knee on May 26, marking the second time he’s sustained the same injury in his career. Despite undergoing surgery in early June and reporting 90-95% recovery, he won’t be ready for Opening Day on March 27 in San Diego.
Reflecting on the team’s struggles last season, left-hander and reigning NL Cy Young winner Chris Sale summed it up: “It just seemed like one thing after the other. A lot of it was just bad luck or bad timing.”
As the Braves gear up for 2025, they’ll need to weather these early challenges if they hope to reclaim their spot atop the baseball world.
