Is It Time to Hit the Panic Button for the Braves?
Entering the 2025 season, the Atlanta Braves were widely regarded as World Series contenders, boasting one of the most talented rosters in MLB. Expectations were high for the team to start strong in a competitive NL East Division, which features two of their biggest rivals, the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies. However, things have not gone according to plan through the first week of the season. After beginning the year with a seven-game West Coast trip against the Padres and Dodgers, the Braves find themselves winless at 0-7, still searching for their first victory, a mark no team has ever overcome to make the postseason. Adding to their woes, the Phillies have gotten off to a strong start at 5-1, creating an early-season gap in the standings. With the Braves preparing for their home opener on Friday night against the Miami Marlins, fans are left wondering whether there's still hope to turn things around or if it’s time to hit the panic button.
The Braves’ struggles have been evident on both the offensive and pitching fronts. Key hitters such as Ozzie Albies, Marcell Ozuna, Matt Olson, and Austin Riley have all failed to deliver, each batting below .200 through the first week of play. Of that group, only two have recorded a home run, highlighting the team’s lack of consistent power at the plate, an unusual sight for a lineup that finished fourth in home runs last season with 213. To make matters worse, offseason free-agent signing Jurickson Profar was handed an 80-game suspension this past week for violating MLB’s performance-enhancing drug policy, leaving manager Brian Snitker scrambling to adjust the lineup. On the mound, Atlanta’s rotation has faltered as well, with last year’s NL Cy Young Award winner Chris Sale struggling through his first two outings, going just five innings in each and surrendering three runs in both starts.
Despite their dismal start, there remains room for optimism as major reinforcements are on the way. Ace Spencer Strider is expected to return later this month after recovering from UCL surgery, while star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. is slated to rejoin Atlanta’s lineup in early to mid-May as he recovers from a torn ACL suffered last season. These eventual in-house additions could provide a much-needed spark to the Braves’ roster. For now, however, the team must focus on preventing a downward spiral before it becomes insurmountable. With a roster brimming with talent and proven postseason experience, the Braves still have time to right the ship. However, urgency is paramount as history looms large over their slow start.
