My list of hot take predictions for the upcoming Atlanta Braves season.
The takes in this list will progressively get bolder and less likely to happen. The first few are tamer. Spring is officially upon us, so this is the perfect time to make my thoughts public.
1. Soroka struggles, for now…
Mike Soroka was once the ace for the Atlanta Braves, but sadly a multitude of injuries have sidelined the young pitcher for what feels like ages at this point. The only negative take of my five is this one, and I feel that he will not live up to the lofty expectations some Braves fans have for him coming into spring. He hasn’t pitched in MLB for two seasons and is already dealing with some minor injuries since spring training started. I think that if he pitches for the big league club this year, he will not have the success he once had. However, I do think that he will figure it out. Maybe next year or in 2025, Soroka will have had enough time to build himself up and become a solid MLB pitcher again. He may never regain his pre-injury form, but he can still be a key contributor for an MLB pitching staff.
2. Matt Olson has a career year
This is also a bit less bold, as most expect Olson to improve for a few reasons. First, 2022 was his worst full season since 2018. While it wasn’t bad, he is capable of more. Going into the 2023 season, he has seen NL (East) pitching for a full year and played 83 games (including postseason) at Truist Park. He should be much more comfortable, which hopefully will lead to more success on the field. The final reason most including myself expect the first baseman to have one of his best seasons is the elimination of the shift. Olson is one of many lefties who suffered from extreme shifts that turned singles and doubles into outs. MLB’s decision to ban these shifts will inevitably lead to most of his statistics being boosted, and I believe it will result in his best-ever season.
3. Braden Shewmake becomes a real contributor
Braden Shewmake was once one of the Braves top prospects. The left-handed shortstop struggled to find his way to the majors due to Dansby Swanson, Ozzie Albies, and Austin Riley having the positions he can play locked up. Last season, he was next in line to be called up due to Ablies and backup infielder Orlando Arcia both dealing with injuries. Sadly for Shewmake, he also went down with an injury while playing well in AAA at the same time. This allowed Vaughn Grissom to be called up, which obviously went well for him. Coming into 2023, Shewmake will likely get called up to the bigs in a backup infielder role thanks to the departure of Dansby Swanson. I believe that he will make the most of this chance and have success. He may not steal a starting position, but I can see him providing good pinch hit at bats, as well as some speed off the bench.
4. Jared Shuster makes his debut and has success
Currently the top-ranked prospect in a depleted Braves farm, I believe that the 24-year-old lefty will be called up by the end of the season. He had a great year in AA, posting a sub-3 ERA along with a WHIP under 1. In AAA, he struggled but also had some bad luck when you look at his expected stats. The Braves may need more pitching depth later in the year, and Shuster could give them some low-leverage multi-inning outings. His changeup is very effective and has good fastball command. I see him having success in small sample sizes this season, before attempting to crack the starting rotation next spring.
5. Ronald Acuña Jr. joins the 40-40 club
The 40-40 club is one of the most exclusive groups in baseball history. With only 4 members, it takes a special player and an otherworldly season to join. Ronald Acuña Jr. came very close in 2019. He finished 41-37 and may have gotten in had he not dealt with injuries as the season came to a close. He lost two opportunities due to COVID and his ACL injury, plus 2022 was Acuña Jr.’s worst statistical season since he was called up to the big league roster. While that was heavily influenced by his rehab from the ACL injury, it did provide some concern as to whether the young star could ever break through to have a 40-40 campaign. Even still, he was on pace for 39 steals in a full year. While the power was rarely there, this offseason has been promising as he has played winter ball in Venezuela. Sure, the competition isn’t quite MLB level, but he crushed the ball on his way to a .647 slugging percentage. If he continues this success into the WBC and then into his season with the Braves, someone might have to edit the 40-40 club Wikipedia page. Either way, however, I am looking forward to Ronald Acuña Jr. replicating the success he had before his injury in 2021.
