Matt Olson and Adam Duvall led the Atlanta Braves to a 9-3 opening day victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. Olson, the MLB home run and RBI leader in 2023, hit three doubles and drove in three runs, while Duvall, who signed just before Opening Day, had a crucial pinch-hit two-run double. Spencer Strider and the Braves' bullpen stifled the Phillies, and the team showcased its depth and balance. However, the Braves suffered a setback as All-Star catcher Sean Murphy left the game with an oblique strain.
The 2024 fantasy baseball draft rankings and strategy for first basemen highlight Freddie Freeman as the gold standard at the position, with Matt Olson and Bryce Harper also in top tiers. The article provides insights into various tiers of first basemen, including analysis of players like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Pete Alonso, and Paul Goldschmidt. It emphasizes the importance of acquiring a true star at either first base or third base due to positional scarcity, and advises against overpaying for middle-class corner infielders.
The Atlanta Braves received multiple honors during MLB's Award season, with Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, and Austin Riley winning Silver Slugger Awards and the team itself receiving the Team Silver Slugger Award. The Braves had an impressive season, hitting a total of 307 home runs and 916 RBI. Huascar Ynoa is expected to return to the Braves' pitching staff for Spring Training after recovering from Tommy John surgery. In other MLB news, the San Diego Padres are searching for a new manager, the New York Yankees are interested in outfielder Kevin Kiermaier, and Zack Greinke has yet to decide on his status for the 2024 season.
Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, and Austin Riley of the Atlanta Braves were among the winners of the 2023 Silver Slugger Awards. Acuña won his third career award after a record-breaking season, while Olson and Riley also took home awards for their impressive performances. The Braves also won the Team Silver Slugger Award.
The Atlanta Braves are opening the MLB Postseason as one of the biggest World Series favorites in recent years. With a league-best record of 104 wins and a strong lineup led by Ronald Acuna Jr. and Matt Olson, the Braves have caught the attention of oddsmakers. They are the third team since 2012 to have odds better than 5/2 to win the championship before the postseason begins. The Astros and Dodgers are seen as the most likely contenders if the Braves are knocked off, followed by the Orioles and Phillies.
Matt Olson sets a new franchise record for RBIs with 136 as the Atlanta Braves sweep the Chicago Cubs. The Braves also clinch home field advantage through the World Series. In other MLB news, the Baltimore Orioles agree to a 30-year lease extension at Camden Yards, and New York Mets' Jeff McNeil is placed on the injured list with a partially torn UCL.
Atlanta Braves General Manager Alex Anthopoulos discusses the team's division-winning season, the competitiveness of the National League East, the success of individual players like Marcell Ozuna, and the upcoming postseason. Anthopoulos praises the team's depth and the contributions of multiple players, including Ronald Acuña Jr. and Matt Olson, who are both in the MVP conversation. He also reflects on the pressure of replacing players like Freddie Freeman and the importance of signing young talent to long-term deals for sustainability. Anthopoulos emphasizes the need for error-free baseball and healthy players in the postseason, while acknowledging the uncertainty and competitiveness of the playoffs.
Ozzie Albies hits his 32nd home run and drives in four runs, surpassing 100 RBIs for the second time this season, while Ronald Acuña Jr. scores his 140th run of the year, the most in the majors in 16 years. Matt Olson hits his MLB-leading 53rd home run as the Atlanta Braves defeat the Washington Nationals 10-3. The Braves outhit the Nationals 18-8, with every member of Atlanta's starting lineup reaching base at least once. Max Fried pitches six innings, allowing one run, and lowers his ERA to 2.55.
The Miami Marlins spoiled Matt Olson's record-breaking party as they defeated the Atlanta Braves 11-5. The Braves took an early 3-0 lead, but Jared Shuster struggled on the mound, allowing the Marlins to take a 4-3 lead in the first inning. Shuster was replaced by Jackson Stephens, who pitched three scoreless innings. However, the Marlins regained the lead in the eighth inning with a homer from Jake Burger, and added more runs to secure the victory. Matt Olson hit his 52nd home run of the season, breaking the Braves' record previously held by Andruw Jones. The Braves will look to salvage the series in the next game.
The Atlanta Braves secured their sixth consecutive NL East title and became the first team to secure a spot in the 2023 MLB Postseason by defeating the Philadelphia Phillies 4-1. With a commanding 17-game lead over the Phillies, the Braves have showcased their dominance in the division. Led by MVP candidates Ronald Acuña Jr. and Matt Olson, the Braves boast an impressive offensive performance, leading the league in home runs, batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage. Their pitching staff, anchored by ace Spencer Strider, has also excelled, with the most strikeouts in the majors and a strong bullpen. The Braves are on track to have a memorable season and are poised to face either the Phillies or Chicago Cubs in the NLDS.
The Atlanta Braves retired Andruw Jones' number, while Matt Olson inches closer to breaking Jones' franchise record for home runs in a season. Olson is having the best season of his career and is likely to secure a place in franchise history. In other Braves news, they lost to the Pirates, Allan Winans will start the rubbermatch, and Dylan Dodd was called up for Saturday's game. In MLB news, MacKenzie Gore was placed on the IL, the Rays' future stadium was discussed, Manny Machado may undergo elbow surgery, and Luis Severino will not return this year due to an oblique strain.
Matt Olson hits two more home runs, bringing his season total to 42 and surpassing Shohei Ohtani for the MLB lead. The Braves sweep the Mets in a doubleheader, with a dominant 21-3 victory in the day game and a convincing 6-0 win in the nightcap. In other MLB news, the Blue Jays sign former Brave Matt Wisler, the Brewers consider relocation if a satisfactory public funding deal for their stadium cannot be reached, the Rays call up prospect Osleivis Basabe, and Jonathan India remains on the 10-day IL.
Matt Olson's record-setting RBI streak for the Atlanta Braves ended at 11 consecutive games. Olson credited his success to hitting with runners in scoring position and acknowledged the role of his teammates. Prospect Cole Phillips, who underwent Tommy John surgery last year, is progressing in his rehab but has yet to make his professional debut. Ronald Acuña Jr. started his 112th game in a row after being hit by a pitch, and Dylan Lee's rehab assignment has been successful, with a potential activation in the near future.
The Atlanta Braves aim to extend their series-winning streak to 12 games as they face the Chicago White Sox. Spencer Strider, who leads the majors in strikeouts, will start for the Braves, while Lance Lynn takes the mound for the White Sox. The Braves won the series opener 9-0, thanks to a grand slam from Matt Olson. Olson leads the National League in RBIs and is just two homers behind Shohei Ohtani. The Braves have homered in 27 consecutive games, tying the second-longest streak in the Modern Era. Atlanta has been dominant against both the AL Central and NL Central divisions this season.
Sean Murphy, the former catcher for the Oakland A's, has been a standout player for the Atlanta Braves, contributing significantly to their success this season. Murphy leads MLB catchers in major offensive categories and has surpassed expectations with his strong offensive performance. He will start for the National League in the All-Star Game. The Braves have won 27 of their last 31 games and have the best record in baseball. Murphy's success is attributed to his reduced workload and the support of catcher Travis d'Arnaud and catching coach Sal Fasano.
