When It Rains, It Pours
The 2024 season has been nothing short of a nightmare for the Atlanta Braves. Coming off several strong campaigns, the Braves entered the year with high hopes and aspirations for another deep playoff run. However, a combination of injuries, under performance, and management missteps have culminated in a season that can only be described as a collapse.
This article examines the factors that have contributed to the Braves’ downfall in 2024.
Key Factors in the Braves’ Collapse
1. Injuries Decimate the Roster
Injuries have been a significant factor in the Braves’ struggles. Key players, including stars like Spencer Strider and Ronald Acuña Jr., have spent considerable time on the injured list. Strider, expected to anchor the pitching staff, suffered a season-ending elbow injury early on. Acuña, still dealing with lingering effects from past injuries, missed a substantial number of games due to recurrent issues. The absence of these pivotal players left a void that the Braves struggled to fill.
2. Under Performance of Key Players
Several of the Braves’ mainstays have under performed this season. Max Fried, usually our liable ace, has struggled with command and consistency, leading to a career-high ERA. Dansby Swanson and Ozzie Albies, typically offensive catalysts, have experienced prolonged slumps, severely impacting the Braves’ run production. The lack of contributions from these core players has put immense pressure on the rest of the lineup and pitching staff.
3. Bullpen Woes
The bullpen, which has been a strength in recent years, has faltered in 2024. Inconsistencies and blown saves have plagued the relief corps, leading to numerous late-game collapses. The struggles of key relievers like Will Smith and Tyler Matzek have been particularly damaging, as the Braves have lost many games they were leading in the late innings.
4. Questionable Management Decisions
Managerial decisions have also come under scrutiny. Brian Snitker, who has enjoyed success with the team in the past, has faced criticism for his handling of the pitching staff and in-game strategies. Questionable bullpen management and a lack of timely adjustments have cost the Braves crucial games. Additionally, front office decisions, including off season acquisitions and trade deadline moves, have not panned out as hoped, leaving the roster with glaring weaknesses.
5. Defensive Lapses
Defensive errors have also contributed to the Braves’ downfall. The team has been uncharacteristically sloppy in the field, leading to unearned runs and extended innings for pitchers. These defensive lapses have been costly, as they often occur at critical moments in games, further demoralizing the team.
6. Struggles of New Additions
The new players brought in to bolster the roster have not met expectations. Off season acquisitions aimed at strengthening the lineup and rotation have largely under performed. The struggles of these new additions have compounded the issues caused by injuries and under performance from established players.
Conclusion
The 2024 season has been a stark reminder that success in Major League Baseball is fragile and can be quickly derailed by a combination of injuries, under performance, and poor decision making. For the Atlanta Braves, this year has been a painful chapter, but it also presents an opportunity to rebuild, reassess, and come back stronger. With a commitment to health, strategic roster moves, and improved leadership, the Braves can look to the future with hope and determination.
Submitted by Thomas Brown