The Atlanta Braves entered spring training with high hopes of reclaiming the National League East title and winning their third World Series since the franchise moved to Atlanta in 1966. They came off a 2024 season where they finished second in the NL East, six games behind the Philadelphia Phillies, and were knocked out of the playoffs by the San Diego Padres in the Wild Card round.
Despite a strong history of success, including a 2021 World Series win, the Braves have only secured four championships since their founding, with their last being in 1995. The team is now focused on another championship run, but their efforts have been hampered by injuries to key players. Four-time All-Star Ronald Acuña Jr. and ace pitcher Spencer Strider will not be ready for the start of the 2025 season.
Strider, who won 20 games in 2023, suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow in 2024, requiring surgery and continued rehab. Acuña, who tore his ACL in 2023 and had surgery in June, is recovering but will not be back in time for Opening Day on March 27.
Chris Sale, the Braves’ new lefty and 2024 NL Cy Young winner, reflected on the team’s 2024 season, noting that it was marked by a series of setbacks. Despite these challenges, the Braves are determined to bounce back and continue their quest for another World Series title.
