The Braves Need Big Seasons From Max Fried and Mike Foltynewicz if They Want to Make a Run in 2020

The Atlanta Braves are coming off an impressive season in which they won the National League East. While they lost in in Game 5 of the NLDS to the St. Louis Cardinals, the Braves still have the potential to make a deep run in the NL. In order for them to get a leg up on a competitive National League, however, their starting rotation needs to step up their game.

Max Fried and Mike Foltynewicz are two crucial arms in the Braves pen. With Mike Soroka is coming off a stellar rookie season, he's likely to be their ace and Opening Day starter. However, behind Soroka, Fried and Folty can make or break this team.

The Braves lineup is filled with dangerous bats. Players such as Ronald Acuña Jr, Ozzie Albies, Freddie Freeman and Marcell Ozuna can all cause problems in the box. The bullpen has also improved with the additions of Shane Greene and Will Smith.

The Braves rotation will be the determining factor of their success in 2020, more specifically Fried and Folty. At just 26 and 28 respectively, the two Braves pitchers have the potential to put up some of the best numbers of their career.

Fried has the ability to rack up a lot of K's, but he also gave up a ton of hits last year, especially during a tough stretch from the end of August into early September. He has the stuff to be an elite pitcher, but he needs to work on his control and do a better job at hitting his spots.

Foltynewicz had a down year in 2019 after a breakout campaign the season prior. In 2018, Folty posted a 2.85 ERA while also recording 202 strikeouts compared to a 4.54 ERA and 105 Ks in 2019. Frankly, that's not good enough for a young hurler the Braves tabbed as a potential future ace.

Atlanta's rotational depth has improved to some extent, especially if Felix Hernandez pans out. But don't let that sexy acquisition fool you -- the Braves will only go as far as their young starting pitchers take them.