The MLB season is underway, and several teams have gotten off to impressive starts. It’s still early, but the debate over the best team in baseball has already begun.
Most point to the obvious big-market powerhouses — the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees. With the largest payrolls in the sport, they remain perennial favorites.
However, one consistently competitive team looks ready to reenter the World Series conversation: the Atlanta Braves.
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The Braves won the World Series just five years ago, but since then, they’ve endured a series of unfortunate setbacks.
Mar 29, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Spencer Strider (99) in action against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
During the 2024 season, they lost All-Star pitcher Spencer Strider to a UCL injury. That same year, reigning NL MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. suffered a season-ending ACL injury. Acuña had already dealt with injuries during their World Series run and missed part of the 2022 season. The Braves also lost key contributors, including Freddie Freeman, to free agency.
Despite those challenges, Atlanta has come out hot, fueled by a core of young, rising stars. Their success extends beyond the plate to an outstanding pitching staff.
Every Braves pitcher who has logged at least four innings carries an ERA below 2.50 heading into Sunday afternoon — even without their ace, Strider, who is currently recovering from an oblique strain.
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At the plate, the Braves rank in the top five in hits, earned runs, RBIs, and home runs. That performance raises an important question: Are the Atlanta Braves the best team in baseball?
Apr 4, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) at bat in the third inning of a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images
There’s still plenty of baseball left between now and October. But for a team that many in the media overlooked as a serious contender, the Braves have played like one from the start.
If Acuña returns to MVP form and Strider comes back healthy as a Cy Young-caliber pitcher, the Braves could become the team to watch.
The Braves might just be back.