3 Reasons Braves Should Be Clear NL Favorites in 2020
By Jerry Trotta
Atlanta Braves buffs probably don't want to get ahead of themselves, but most are probably tabbing the 2020 campaign as World Series or bust.
Even though the franchise hasn't advanced deep into October for almost two decades, it's commonsensical for fans in Atlanta to presume that their club is, at the very least, the favorites to three-peat as NL East champs.
For the pessimists who aren't convinced, here are three reasons that will get you over the proverbial hump.
3. Sheer Unknown of the Nationals and Mets
Do the Mets deserve being mentioned in here? Probably not, but the talent on their roster is undeniable, and they just might surprise some folks. The Nationals, on the other hand, impressed this offseason following Anthony Rendon inking a lucrative deal with the Angels. That's the thing: we have no idea what Washington will look like without Rendon manning the hot corner and producing in the middle of their lineup. You can't replace a player of Rendon's caliber. That alone should see the Braves favored to hoist the NL East crown.
2. They Were Able to Find a Viable Replacement for Josh Donaldson
In all honesty, the Braves managing to poach Ozuna from the Cardinals and other reported suitors in free agency was an absolute steal, and it was much needed following their unexpected defeat at the hands of the Twins in the Josh Donaldson sweepstakes. Ozuna, a two-time All-Star, will provide similar production to that of the Bringer of Rain in the heart of Atlanta's lineup to complement the likes of Ronald Acuña Jr, Ozzie Albies, and Freddie Freeman. Oh, and the Cardinals got demonstrably worse in the process. Not bad!
1. Revamped Bullpen
The offseason addition of Will Smith will go down as the Braves' most important signing, and we don't think it'll be all that close. The All-Star southpaw will join (and lessen the burden on) a bullpen that already boasts Mark Melancon, Shane Greene, Chris Martin, and Luke Jackson. That group should be mentioned with the best in MLB, and is the prominent reason that Atlanta will remain atop the NL East, and could buzzsaw through the rest of the league in flux.