The Atlanta Braves’ rebuild came to fruition rather quickly in 2018, going from 72-90 in 2017 to winning 90 games two seasons ago. They improved further in 2019 by going 97-65 and winning the NL East for a second straight year, but how much further can they climb?
Today, we focus on the Braves’ 2020 regular season win totals and World Series odds. Does Atlanta have what it takes? Let’s analyze:
Atlanta Braves 2019 wins
The Braves went 97-65 last season behind one of the league’s best offenses. They scored the seventh-most runs, slugged 249 home runs (seventh) and posted a team ERA of only 4.17 – 10th in the majors. Outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. has quickly become a star, while first baseman Freddie Freeman continues to get better with each passing season.
Atlanta Braves offseason
The Braves didn’t rest on their laurels this offseason, staying aggressive in free agency. They signed catcher Travis d’Arnaud, left-hander Cole Hamels, infielder Adeiny Hechavarria and outfielder Marcell Ozuna, fortifying what’s already a supremely talented roster.
Their outfield is now one of the best in baseball with Acuna, Ozuna and Ender Inciarte, as well as Nick Markakis. They have suffered a body blow, though, as Hamels (shoulder) had a recurrence of a strain in his left shoulder, and he won’t be ready to start the season.
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Atlanta Braves odds to win NL East division
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list.
Lines last updated on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. ET.
The Braves are the favorites to retain their division title, despite the reigning World Series champion Nationals also playing in the NL East. The Nats lost superstar third baseman Anthony Rendon to free agency, which will have an impact in 2020. Atlanta is +190 to win the division, slightly ahead of the Nats (+250). It’s going to be one of the best division races in baseball, but Atlanta has an edge on the rest of the teams.
Atlanta Braves World Series odds
The Braves have as good of a chance to win the World Series as anyone in MLB. They’re fourth on BetMGM’s list of contenders at +1100, behind only the Astros (+550), Dodgers (+400) and Yankees (+350). The National League is going to be daunting in 2020, especially the East with the Nationals, Braves and Phillies contending.
How many games will the Atlanta Braves win in 2020?
BetMGM has set the over/under for the Braves at 90.5 wins. Atlanta hasn’t won 90-plus games in three straight years since 2002-2005, which is something the team is trying to accomplish this year. They have the talent to win close to 100, but the pitching staff has its limitations. For that reason, I’d bet the UNDER (-110).
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