2024 Atlanta Braves Q&A: What are their playoff odds, players to watch, biggest question marks?

The Atlanta Braves finished the 2023 season with MLB's best record and cruised to their sixth consecutive National League East title. 

Yet, they were unceremoniously bounced from the playoffs in the NL Division Series by the Philadelphia Phillies for the second straight year. 

In response to his team's disappointing demise, general manager Alex Anthopoulos worked feverishly this offseason to fill any holes on the Braves' already potent roster and get them back to the World Series for the first time since winning it in 2021. 

Here are answers to some of the biggest questions facing the 2024 Braves. 

How many games are the Braves projected to win and what is their season outlook?

Returning a loaded roster that includes reigning NL Most Valuable Player Ronald Acuna Jr. and MLB's 2023 home run and RBI leader, Matt Olson, the Braves are once again viewed as one of the best teams in the NL and a World Series contender. 

According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the Braves are projected to win 101.5 games. Based on FanDuel's odds, at +450, they are second to only the Los Angeles Dodgers (+320) as favorites to win the World Series.

When is Opening Day, and who will start the Braves’ first game?

The Braves open the 2024 season on Thursday, March 28, where their 2023 season ended — at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. First pitch is scheduled for 3:05 p.m. ET.

Right-hander Spencer Strider, who led the league in wins (20) and strikeouts (281) in 2023, will start for the Braves against Phillies ace Zack Wheeler (3.61 ERA in 2023).

Notable offseason additions

Chris Sale: The Braves, who ranked 15th in ERA and 11th in quality starts in 2023, got a much-needed pitching upgrade, landing Chris Sale in a deal that sent shortstop Vaughn Grissom to Boston. The addition of the seven-time All-Star, who turns 35 on March 30, deepens the Braves' starting rotation behind Strider, Max Fried, Charlie Morton and Reynaldo Lopez. After three injury-riddled seasons with the Red Sox, Sale largely returned to form in 2023 with a 4.30 ERA in 102 2/3 innings with 125 strikeouts in 2023. 

Jarred Kelenic: The 24-year-old outfielder, essentially a replacement for the departed Eddie Rosario, won't need to stand out among a group of sluggers who tied the MLB record for home runs with 307 in 2023. There's still plenty of upside for the former top prospect, who started to realize some of his potential last season in Seattle before breaking his foot. 

Reynaldo Lopez: The Braves further bolstered their pitching staff when they signed Lopez to a three-year, $30 million contract after he posted a 3.27 ERA in 68 games with the Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Angels and Cleveland Guardians in 2023. The 30-year-old right-hander gives the Braves a versatile pitcher who can be used as a No. 5 starter or out of the bullpen.

Top storyline from spring training

Kelenic's hitting woes

The Braves' projected left-fielder is off to a horrible start in spring training, with only six hits — five singles — in 48 at-bats (.125). 

That doesn't bode well for the lefty-hitting Kelenic, whose career OPS is a subpar .656 in three MLB seasons. He will likely be given every opportunity to keep his job unless his struggles at the plate continue into the regular season.

Biggest question going into 2024

Will Chris Sale remain healthy?

The Braves acquired Sale more for the postseason than they did for the regular season. But they must keep him off the injury list to be available in October. 

Sale has a significant injury history; since 2018 alone, he's had Tommy John surgery, a rib fracture, a broken finger and shoulder inflammation. The Braves will monitor his workload closely to ensure a healthy Sale, who is still highly effective and holds the MLB record for strikeouts per inning (11.1).

Just how improved will the Braves be?

It's hard to imagine a team improving on a 104-win season, which tied for the second-best in franchise history, but the Braves could be even better in 2024. 

There's no reason to believe the Braves' explosive lineup, which features six All-Star position players, will falter — unless injuries get in the way. 

The key will be their pitching and whether the additions of Sale, Lopez and lefty reliever Aaron Bummer, whom they acquired from the White Sox, will elevate the Braves' staff to match their record-setting offense. 

If so, the 2024 Braves will be a scarier version of the 2023 team — one that could lift another World Series trophy this fall.